When Rankin USA was launched in Gaston County more than three decades ago, it served primarily as a supplier of specialty parts to the then-booming textile industry.
When the textile industry subsequently fell into a sharp decline, company president Todd Purvis realized a change in direction was needed.
“Our only choice was to diversify,” Purvis explained. “We’re now supplying parts to factories and machine makers all across North America. We give them what they need to keep their businesses up and running.”
Successfully carving out a niche that put its products in demand, the company has broken ground on a $5 million, 30,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility in the Apple Creek Corporate Center in Gastonia.
The new facility will enable Rankin USA to increase its manufacturing capacity and provide space for expanding its inventory of materials and market-ready products.
The additional office space will also allow room for the anticipated increase in the company’s workforce and the site has been prepared to also allow for future expansion.
Purvis noted that a high percentage of the machinery being used in American industry is produced in Europe.
American customers often find it difficult to procure spare parts for their machinery without dealing with high prices or long delivery waits.
Rankin USA, he explained, has established a network of European suppliers that enables the company to meet the needs of American customers quickly and at less cost.
“We simply make it easier for them than going directly to the manufacturer,” Purvis said. “We have proven we can deliver. We can get them the parts they need and save them time and money.”
The company currently employs 22 workers at its Bessemer City location with six sales reps serving customers primarily in the Southeast.
Purvis said the new facility will allow for doubling the workforce and increasing the size of its sales staff.
“This (new facility) is a game changer for us,” he said. “It will give us a far more impressive presence than what we have now and it will help drive us toward a more national market rather than just the Southeast.”
The new facility is being built by Edifice Construction of Charlotte, and Purvis is hopeful it will be completed by the end of the year.
Board of Commissioners Chairman Chad Brown said in a press release that Rankin USA’s expansion is a great Gaston County success story.
“Rankin USA saw the potential in Gaston County with its initial investment at its current site in Bessemer City,” Brown said. “With the new facility they are constructing in Apple Creek, Rankin USA is cementing its legacy as an employer that will be committed to Gaston County for decades to come. We could not be more thrilled at their success, which has allowed them to grow their footprint here.”
Bill Poteat may be reached at wlpoteat@yahoocom.