W.P Hickman Company Announces Significant Expansion

May 12, 2011

Asheville, NC– In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), W.P. Hickman Company proudly announces the expansion of its Asheville-based operations with a $3 million investment in a new production facility. The company will host an open house on May 26 at the new company headquarters at 4 Commerce Way in Arden to celebrate the milestone.

Asheville, NC– In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), W.P. Hickman Company proudly announces the expansion of its Asheville-based operations with a $3 million investment in a new production facility. The company will host an open house on May 26 at the new company headquarters at 4 Commerce Way in Arden to celebrate the milestone.
Founded in 1945, the third generation family-owned and operated W.P. Hickman Company is the premier American manufacturer of metal roof edge systems for commercial construction. Customers include schools, government and institutional facilities, and hospitals. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina since 1975, the company holds over 20 patents for its portfolio of innovative roof edge products. W.P. Hickman received statewide recognition from Business North Carolina magazine as runner up for the 2009 North Carolina Small Business of the Year.
“As our sales have grown, it became clear that we needed additional space,” explained CEO Scott Hickman. “In considering facility options, it was imperative that we retain our highly-skilled and experienced workforce which, on average, has more than 11 years with our company.”
Following a nine month planning and renovation process, W.P. Hickman moved its headquarters and manufacturing facilities from Sweeten Creek Road to the newly renovated facility in Arden, in April. At nearly 80,000 square feet, the increased production capacity of the new plant will allow the firm to broaden its product offering and increase output while reinforcing its focus on world-class quality, customer service, and ever decreasing lead times. The expansion will also enable the company to add additional positions to the existing staff of 52. These positions will include highly-skilled machinists, engineers, and sales and marketing staff.
COO Jeff Imes continued, “In addition to providing us room to expand, this move was also an excellent opportunity to reassess our factory layout in the context of our lean manufacturing principles.” The firm worked closely with the NC State University Industrial Extension Service to optimize floor space and manufacturing processes in order to improve the safety and productivity of its staff. “This facility will allow us to continue to manufacture a world-class product in Buncombe County and meet the needs of our customers for the next generation.”
Like most success stories in American manufacturing, W.P. Hickman Company today operates at greater efficiencies, pays higher wages, and meets more aggressive production goals than any prior time in its history. “Job creation and the support of family-owned businesses remain a top priority for Buncombe County,” said Chairman of the Buncombe County Commissioners, David Gantt. “We applaud W.P. Hickman’s commitment to family, community, and local employment.”
“I’d like to congratulate the staff and management for a 66-year commitment to American-made craftsmanship,” said K. Ray Bailey, Chair of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County. “Buncombe County will continue to prosper and compete because of companies like W.P. Hickman that invest in our people and in our future.”
For additional information on W.P. Hickman Company, please visit www.wph.com.

The EDC for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention & expansion, small business & entrepreneurship, research, and marketing & recruitment. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Advantage Asheville Campaign.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a 2,000+ member organization representing 86,000 employees. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of increasing the region’s livability by advancing its economic vitality. The Asheville Chamber works diligently to ensure that Asheville continues to prosper while also protecting the natural beauty of the area. In 2006, the Chamber moved to a new location and is now home to the 4,000 square foot Visitor Center which welcomes 200,000 visitors per year.