Transaction includes production lines for oil, air and cabin air filters, an R&D center, inventory assets, machinery and equipment, and will reinstate nearly 300 jobs
Memphis, Tenn.—Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), a filter manufacturer and supplier, announced on Wednesday the successful completion of Phase 2 of its acquisition of key assets of First Brands Group (FBG). The acquisition further strengthens PGI’s domestic manufacturing capabilities, engineering resources, North American distribution network, and employment base.
First Brands Group had filed for bankruptcy last year in September.
The transaction includes advanced production lines for oil, air, and cabin air filters located in Albion, Illinois, as well as key manufacturing equipment from the legacy FRAM facility in Greenville, Ohio. The Greenville assets will be consolidated into the Albion facility, creating one of the industry’s most advanced filtration manufacturing operations in North America.
As part of the transaction, PGI has also acquired a state-of-the-art R&D center and laboratory dedicated to filtration technologies and water separation systems. The facility will serve as a center for product engineering, materials science, testing, validation, and advanced filtration technologies.
PGI plans to initially reinstate close to 300 jobs as part of the integration and restart of operations, with additional employment opportunities expected to be created in later phases as the business continues to scale. These positions include key management and technical talent across engineering, manufacturing, product management, production, and operations.
The acquisition also includes inventory assets located in both the U.S. and Mexico, ensuring continuity of supply and providing additional capacity to support the integration and growth of the acquired brands.
To support the expanded portfolio and future growth initiatives, PGI has entered into a lease agreement for a 730,000-square-foot distribution center in Hebron, Kentucky, and, as part of the transaction, acquired the machinery and equipment located at the facility from FBG. The facility will become PGI’s fifth distribution center in North America and significantly expands the company’s logistics footprint.
The new distribution center will serve as the primary hub for several of the company’s strategic brands, including Autolite, TRICO, and FRAM, and will play a pivotal role in the relaunch and expansion of PGI’s Luberfiner heavy-duty and industrial filtration programs.
The additional capacity will also allow PGI to continue building safety stock, increase supply chain flexibility, and maintain service levels. The acquisition process has been underway for more than four months.
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