[Fostoria, Ohio] In order to provide better customer service, faster lead times and a broader mix of American-made product, Nox is expanding its manufacturing facility here.
The expansion, which will double the existing facility’s capacity, is expected to come online at the end of the year. The original facility’s lines were first commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2016.
“What we’re focused on outside of capacity is bringing in more manufacturing capabilities to follow market trends that are happening in the U.S.,” said Joe Walker, vice president sales North America.
While the lead time for Nox’s South Korean factory is typically eight to 10 weeks — shorter than average, Walker pointed out — it’s still a long wait time for the company to determine what products will be the biggest sellers and replenish inventory. “With the way this market is growing, if you have inventory, that’s a huge thing,” Walker said.
Beyond inventory, Walker pointed out that products made in the U.S. can carry a certain sense of validity and value, and manufacturing domestically is helpful in terms of providing on-trend products. “We’re adding capabilities to follow what market trends are showing,” Walker said, adding the facility will produce Nox’s new Genesis product, a rigid product that will compete alongside WPC and SPC, as well as its new MCT dry-back LVT. “I think this expansion will give Nox an edge, by offering so much versatility in our Ohio facility.”