According to the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), Gold Bond Worldwide, Hixson, Tenn., has announced plans to close its Covington, Tenn., facility. Operations will relocate to the company’s Hixson, Tenn., facility by the end of the year.
The Hixson location currently produces drinkware, pens, bags, golf balls and other hard goods, while the Covington facility produced mugs, mouse pads and commemorative plates.
“When Gold Bond acquired World Wide Line in 2014, we brought all customer-facing operations to one location,” said Mark Godsey, president of Gold Bond Worldwide, in a statement. “By centralizing departments such as customer service, order entry and art, we are able to provide comprehensive service to our customers. Having all of our production under one roof will allow us to be more efficient, providing even more value to distributors. Our intention is to make the transition as seamless as possible for our customers.”
Gold Bond Worldwide is working to relocate its employees who wish to move to the Hixson facility.
“The Covington team has provided years of service, and we value their expertise,” said Kim Newell, vice president of operations at Gold Bond Worldwide, in a statement. “Gold Bond Worldwide is a family-run business, and we are concerned for the livelihood of our team members. We are working diligently to find positions within the Hixson facility. We respect that many current employees will choose not to relocate, and so, we are working with the Covington business community to find jobs that match their skill levels.”
