By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
It’s a sad fact of life. As the nation’s population gets grayer, they have a greater need for adult absorbent products for incontinence.
That means more business for a Wood County company that has been meeting those bladder control needs for more than 40 years. So the company, Principle Business Enterprises, is looking to expand in response to greater demands.
The company, located north of Bowling Green, near Interstate 75 and Devils Hole Road, is planning a $4 million expansion which would add 47,000 square feet to the existing building.
On Tuesday, the Wood County Commissioners approved an enterprise zone agreement with the company for 100 percent real and personal property tax abatements over 10 years.
Principle Business Enterprises currently employs about 235 people, and will create at least five new jobs with the expansion. That estimate is very conservative since each new line at the plant will employ six or seven people.
The firm produces various products for incontinence, including “Tranquility” and disposable swimwear, and footwear like Pillowpaws and slipper socks.
“We are really making a difference in the lives of people with difficult physical challenges,” said Chuck Stocking, CEO of the company.
“The bad news is people need our products,” Stocking said Tuesday to the commissioners. The good news is, the company is continuing to work on meeting the demands for adult absorbent products and wound care items.
“We’ve had such consistent growth,” said Larry Jones, CFO of Principle Business Enterprises. “As the boomers shift into that period of their lives” when they have more physical needs, the company is expanding to meet them.
“It’s a good problem to have,” Jones said of the company’s need to expand.
Stocking also told the county commissioners that the company is now working with the Veterans Administration. “It took us seven years to crack the code on how to do business with the Veterans Administration,” he said. “We have a team working on better care for our veterans.”
The long term vision for Principle Business Enterprises includes additional expansions, Stocking said.
Jones said the company provides a safe and good work environment, so the longevity of its employees is quite high.
Wood County Planning Commission Director Dave Steiner also said the company is a good neighbor. “They have been good corporate citizens as well.”
As part of the enterprise zone agreement, Principle Business Enterprises will make the school districts involved whole. That means the company will pay $35,000 a year to Eastwood and $4,400 a year to Penta Career Center.
“We really appreciate being a part of Wood County,” Stocking said.
“We’re very glad to have you in Wood County, too,” Wood County Commissioner Doris Herringshaw said. “It’s always exciting to have economic development in Wood County.”
