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In an effort to meet growing customer demand, True Value unveiled new, modern upgrades to its True Value Manufacturing facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by True Value executives and Mark Kownick, mayor of the Village of Cary. Hardware Retailing’s associate editor Carly Froderman attended the event as well, and she shares the exclusive news, including insights from company executives.
The launch of the new paint filling and packaging line will significantly increase the plant’s ability to fill latex architectural paints up to 90 gallons per minute. The expenditure follows numerous other recent upgrades to the latex factory, with investments reaching $5 million.
“In recent years, True Value has made significant operational investments to continue bringing best-in-class products to our retailers and their customers,” says Chris Kempa, True Value CEO. “We will continue to expand True Value Manufacturing capabilities to offer improved efficiency, additional capacity and innovative products to meet growing consumer demand in paint.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off with John Vanderpool, divisional president at True Value Manufacturing, thanking key contributors as well as suppliers, vendors, contractors and associates who took part in the 18-month project.
“The equipment on the line—when laid out straight—reaches 450 feet, and the line also includes 1,000 feet of piping and 10,000 feet of copper wiring,” Vanderpool says. “The line has a camera that takes a photo of every single can, assuring quality results.”
The new technology directly supports the upcoming launch of the company’s ultra-premium paint line, EasyCare Limitless.
“EasyCare Limitless sits alongside name brand interior premium paints at a lower cost for consumers,” Vanderpool says. “In today’s market, our retailers and their customers can take advantage of our manufacturing capabilities to upgrade their homes with products designed to last that won’t break the bank.”
The project came to fruition in an effort to increase efficiency while providing customers with the products and services they need. With the True Value 2023 Spring Reunion taking place March 16-19 in Chicago at McCormick Place West, some retailers will get the chance to visit the facility and see the new line in person.
“We’ve been very, very fortunate to have a lot of growth in the paint area, and it is a big category for our retailers,” Vanderpool says. “Our retailers are counting on us to deliver high-quality products, and they want to partner with businesses that are investing and growing—this project exemplifies our commitment to continual improvement.”
True Value is also celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
“We’ve been here for 75 years and we want to be here for another 75 years,” Vanderpool says. “We are proud of our past, but we are very focused on today and the future of the company. We have a lot of work to do and by staying focused, we will catapult our company and our retailers into the future and find success.”
True Value operates one of the largest state-of-the-art facilities in North America, with over 600,000 square feet of manufacturing space. The facility produces a range of products, including oil and latex paints, stains, cleaning chemicals, aerosols and paint applicators. Located in Cary, Illinois, since 1976, True Value Manufacturing remains committed to providing high-quality products and services to its customers.
Read about True Value’s acquisition of Yenkin-Majestic’s consumer paint business here.
