On Thursday of last week I was honored to be invited to the official ribbon cutting of 4Over's new 105,000 square foot production facility in the Huber Heights area of Dayton. The space was previously occupied by garment tag and label manufacturer Paxar (now Avery Dennison) who closed the facility after moving their operations overseas. I am told that some of those who lost jobs at Paxar were hired by 4Over.

Representatives from the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce were on hand as well as a couple dozen red-shirted 4Over employees. Several guest speakers including Ohio State Representative Fred Strahorn, Montgomery County Commissioner Dan Foley, Huber Heights City Manager Cathy Armocida, and Bobbie Dillon from Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin's office were in attendance. All welcomed 4Over to the community and spoke about how important it was to the local economy that they decided to locate here and put the vacated building to good use. Phil Parker, President & CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce coordinated the speakers and also talked about the efforts to get 4Over to locate in the Dayton community, and how great it was working with them. Like the others, Phil expressed his gratitude for the decision to the 4Over team.

4Over CEO Zarik Megerdichian spoke to the group about locating in Dayton and how great everyone in the community has been. Parker had earlier commented about how employee-focused Zarik and his management team are. This became evident when Zarik became emotional while talking about the incredible growth of his company, and all of the people behind making that happen. I was struck by this and it was clear to me that the company culture places a very high value on the way it treats employees.

After hearing from everyone, the group braved the cold central Ohio November air to witness the official ribbon cutting outside in front of the building. A local news crew was on hand to cover the event live. After returning inside, everyone was treated to lunch and a plant tour.

The newly equipped facility houses 2 Komori Lithrone presses, with a Komori System 38S web press planned for the future. 4Over equipment partners include Komori, Bobst, Heidelberg, Muller Martini, xpedx, Prisco, and Spicers. I saw many representatives from these companies on hand to congratulate the company on it's newest location. The facility is huge at over 100,000 square feet and after walking around it is quite clear that there is great opportunity for growth. The company plans to continue to add equipment and staff to this facility and employ up to a possible 150 at maximum output.

Established in 2001, 4over Inc. has gained the momentum of a super trade printer. Acquiring the latest state-of-the-art printing equipment has enabled 4over to gain the lead in order-fullfillment within the trade printing industry.

I had a chance to talk with CEO Zarik Megerdichian at the ribbon cutting and he talked about the new facility and what the new facility does for 4Over:

(more photos in the extended)

4Over Partners

4Over employees (red shirts) and guests gather

4Over Dayton Lobby

Preparing to cut the ribbon!

4Over trade show banner in the production area

Output from the new production process in Dayton

Gathering around the newly installed presses

Komori Lithrone S40

New production area

4Over mega-banner!