Hodges Badge Company, Inc. opens new manufacturing Facility in Washington, MO.

For Immediate Release

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (October 9, 2015) – Rick Hodges, President of Hodges Badge Company, announced the opening of their new manufacturing facility in Washington, Missouri today. The 82,000 square foot building consolidates all of the firm’s Missouri activities under one roof for the first time in many years. Hodges previously operated from two separate buildings elsewhere in Washington Missouri.

Speaking at the grand opening celebration today, CEO Rick Hodges and General Manager Jolyn Maune praised the hard work of the Hodges team and of all the contractors who worked to make this day possible. In particular, Hodges thanked Washington Engineering and Architecture for their design work, Lewis & Associates (Project Management) and Sieve Contractors (steel and metal building work). The project was financed by the Bank of Franklin County.

Members of the Hodges family traveled from all over the US to attend this event. During the ceremonies, Hodges Board Chairman Jim Hodges said, “When we first considered Washington for our second plant location, everyone in the community, from Dick Oldenburg, then the community development director, to the banks, contractors, and the entire business community welcomed us with open arms. Of course, these people would benefit from our arrival. But what it conveyed was that Washington was looking for new business and wanted to grow. And grow it has. In 1987, when we were looking for a building site it would have been easy to pick any of a hundred towns, but we wanted one that was business friendly and looking to grow because then our investments would grow with the town. They have. We believe that Washington’s growth will continue, and our investment in this new building along with it.”

Mr. Hodges stated that the company currently employs 65 people in Washington, a number that is expected to rise in the coming years. In fact, the company is looking for new employees in both Rhode Island and Missouri. This new building includes facilities for Customer Service, rosette and ribbon manufacturing, engraving, and trophy production. Medals will also be added to the lines produced in Missouri in 2016.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the country’s leading manufacturer of quality custom awards. The company manufactures custom award ribbons, custom rosettes, medals, plaques, presentation silver, crystal, badge ribbons, sashes and buttons.

Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, with manufacturing facilities in Rhode Island and Missouri. The company employs 100 people in Portsmouth, RI and 65 people in Washington, Mo. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet. Primary markets include equestrian events, dog shows, fairs/4-H, swimming, gymnastics, and schools.

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Contact:
Rick Hodges
President
Hodges Badge Company
800-556-2440
rhodges@hodgesbadge.com
http://www.hodgesbadge.com

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