Fabrik Industries Inc. unveiled its second facility during a Jan. 19 grand opening celebration in McHenry, Ill., attended by state, county and local officials.
“We are excited about the opportunities in manufacturing locally. The community's involvement in our growth has been humbling. The company took 2016 to breathe new life into a vacant building updating and installing new lighting and paint, investing in new molding machines and training of new employees to meet the increased manufacturing demand,” said Keith Wagner, president of Fabrik Industries, in a news release from the McHenry County Economic Development Corp.
The company had analyzed opportunities to expand outside of Illinois along with those in McHenry and chose to renovate a nearby building. Its headquarters plant is 120,000 square feet, while local reports say the new site is 44,000 square feet.
Fabrik is a third-generation custom injection molder that makes components used in automotive lights and switches as well as in medical, consumer and electronic goods. Among the items it makes are clear and reflective lenses.
The company had an estimated $40 million in sales during the most recent Plastics News ranking of North American injection molders. It has 73 presses
Fabrik was also recognized for developing an internship program for high school and college students. It also participates in the Youth Manufacturing Program through the McHenry County Workforce Network, which provides individuals aged 18-24 with six week internships.
“One of the pillars of economic development is retention because 80 percent of net new job growth comes from existing businesses. The expansion of Fabrik Industries is an excellent example of why MCEDC works closely with our primary businesses, our county and municipal partners with the shared goal of retaining our business base,” said Pam Cumpata, president of the McHenry County EDC, in a statement.
Fabrik has been a member of the McHenry community for 35 years.