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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

China-Based GreatStar Tools USA Reopens Shop-Vac’s Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Factory

12/29/2020
Hangzhou Equipment Holdings, a subsidiary of China-based Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Co., Ltd., and its subsidiary GreatStar Tools USA, will take ownership of all Shop-Vac Corporation’s company assets and reopen its factory in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The company plans to hire a number of employees who were separated after the factory’s abrupt closure in September 2020.

GreatStar said it plans to reestablish and expand Shop-Vac’s industry leadership built on best-in-class innovation, features, value and manufacturing ability, utilizing a mix of both Asian and US-based manufacturing. In addition, the company will retain manufacturing in its Williamsport factory and will also prioritize restoring Shop-Vac’s distribution in the US, including big-box retailers, major home centers and hardware stores.

“We are thrilled to add another iconic American brand to GreatStar’s portfolio of brands, alongside Arrow Fastener, Pony, Jorgensen, Goldblatt, and Prime-Line Products, particularly one that gives us the opportunity to bring manufacturing and jobs back to the US,” says Gary DuBoff, Group President, GreatStar Tools USA. “Shop-Vac products are ‘must-have’ items for many retailers and consumers in North America and around the world, and we look forward to restoring this brand’s loyal following and distribution.”

Shop-Vac also adds core competencies to GreatStar’s manufacturing and operations, including expertise in injection molding; tool and die making; and electrical, industrial and polymer engineering capabilities.

“Shop-Vac represents an important addition to GreatStar’s global product portfolio. The brand’s strong market position, combined with GreatStar’s manufacturing expertise, innovation pipeline, investment capabilities and global reach, will deliver more products, more innovation and more value to our customers around the world,” adds DuBoff.

Headquartered in Williamsport, Shop-Vac is synonymous with the wet/dry vacuum category, GreatStar officials explained. With manufacturing in the US, China and Vietnam and worldwide distribution, Shop-Vac was a pioneer in the heavy-duty vacuum system category, serving workshops, garages, factories and other demanding applications. Before closing its doors in September 2020, Shop-Vac provided customers with reliable and trusted products for more than 55 years.

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