By: Deborah Johnson Wood
On April 14, Hope Network cut the ribbon on a new 84,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that provides space for 80 new jobs as well as part of the organization’s training and rehabilitation programs. The facility was established in partnership with the building's owner, Robert Grooters Development Company.
Hope Network’s primary work is to repackage products for the food and furniture industries, and the organization uses that work to provide on-the-job training for persons with disabilities, ex-offenders and immigrants new to the area.
“We give them the chance to walk in and show a potential employer that they have experience on a manufacturing floor and that they have a good work record,” says CEO Phil Weaver. “We give immigrants an opportunity to work and learn about our society. That way, these folks aren’t depending on government assistance, but learning a job and getting training on their own.”
Last year, the former plant, located around the corner at 755 36th Street, generated approximately $3.5 million in sales. The new facility will enable the company to increase its workload and output significantly.
“Our previous space was half this size and we had to rent a nearby warehouse and truck supplies to the manufacturing plant,” Weaver says. “This will allow us to have manufacturing and warehouse space at one location.”
The company plans to create the new jobs over the next year, bringing the total workforce to about 200.
Source: Phil Weaver, Hope Network; Craig Clark, Craig Clark Communications
Deborah Johnson Wood is the development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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