Premium Guard Inc., a leading aftermarket automotive parts company based in Memphis, Tennessee, has officially opened the doors to its newest distribution center in Weirton, West Virginia. This expansion marks the company’s third U.S. distribution facility and fourth in North America, and it’s already bringing new energy—and jobs—to the Ohio Valley.
The company celebrated the grand opening Thursday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location at 491 Park Drive, a site that once served as a distribution hub for another business.
A Strategic Move for Growth
CEO Anan Bishara, who founded Premium Guard in 1996, said the decision to locate in Weirton was driven by both geography and community support. The site puts the company in a strong position to serve customers in the northeastern U.S. and expand further into Canada.
“It started with the geography,” Bishara said. “Then we met with local officials, and it became clear this was the right place. We were fortunate to find the right building and the right partners.”
Jobs Now—and More on the Way
The Weirton facility currently employs 21 people, several of whom worked in the building under its previous owner. But that’s just the beginning. Premium Guard plans to expand to 100 jobs by the end of the year, and even hinted at adding a production line in the future to complement its distribution operations.
Shipping from the center is expected to begin within the next 10 days, helping the company move products like oil filters, air filters, wiper blades, oil drain plugs, tools, and more—sold under well-known brands like Premium Guard, Highflow, EcoGard, and Pureflow.
These products are already found on shelves at major auto parts retailers like NAPA, Carquest, and Pure Zone.
Free Trade Zone Designation Boosts Business
Adding to its strategic value, the Weirton distribution center has been designated a free trade zone. That means the company can import, store, or manufacture goods there and then export them without paying most customs duties—giving Premium Guard a major competitive edge.
A Community Effort
Weirton officials were quick to welcome Premium Guard and help them settle in.
“This is a great opportunity for our city,” said Mayor Dean Harris, who praised the collaborative efforts of Brenda Mull of the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, Anthony Clements of the Business Development Corp., and Mark Miller, the city’s Planning and Economic Development Director.
Bishara also credited local business Bulldog Rack, based in Weirton’s Half Moon Industrial Park, for manufacturing the thousands of storage racks now in place and ready to support operations at the new facility.
“It’s one of the most welcoming communities I’ve experienced,” Bishara said.
A Look Ahead
After the ribbon-cutting, guests were treated to a tour of the facility, getting a firsthand look at the racks, layout, and logistics of a distribution center poised to be a major player in the region’s economic revival.
With expansion plans underway and a growing workforce, Premium Guard’s investment is more than just a business move—it’s a boost for Weirton’s economic future.
