Fire Barriers starting strong in Whitley County
Fire Barriers starting strong in Whitley County
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (August 25, 2010) – Local firestop installation company Fire Barriers, LLC announced today that Zach Kessie will serve as President of the new business venture. The company was recently established to provide building code-mandated fire stopping systems for new construction and retrofitting of existing commercial buildings.
“Our company is focused on meeting demands for safer buildings defined by the installation of superior quality firestop systems,” said Kessie, “We look forward to working with architects and engineers throughout the Midwest from our Whitley County location.”
Fire Barriers LLC was formed in July 2010 to provide firestop installation in new and existing commercial buildings. A firestop is a passive fire protection system of various components used to seal openings and joints in commercial buildings such as walls, floors or stairwells. Firestops provide safe passage for building occupants in the case of fire related emergencies. The healthcare sector in particular has embraced the installation of firestop systems in hospitals, nursing homes, and medical office buildings.
Fire Barriers LLC recently became certified by Hilti, a leading manufacturer of firestop products. The company is partnering with several industry associations that will provide resources, training and certification, which include the Firestop Contractors International Association, the Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana, Associated Builders and Contractors, and the American Society of Healthcare Engineers, which will assist in specialized training and marketing for the healthcare industry.
“Whitley County provides an excellent base from which to reach customers in Northern Indiana and elsewhere in the Midwest,” said Kessie, “From this location we can hire quality employees, work with key partner associations and service a wide range projects.”
The Whitley County Council recently approved the company’s CEDIT-based Revolving Loan Fund request to support the company’s startup. Fire Barriers plans to hire five to seven employees over the next several years. The company is also a client of the Go Whitley business incubation program, which is sponsored by the EDC, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, and the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce.
“I am pleased to see how quickly Zach and his team are moving to build the Fire Barriers business,” said EDC president Alan Tio, “Fire Barriers provides a great example of the kind of growth-oriented companies that we are working to startup in Whitley County.”
Kessie comes to Fire Barriers LLC with more than ten years of commercial construction experience and a Bachelors of Science degree in Building Construction Management from Purdue University, West Lafayette. For more information about Fire Barriers, LLC please call (260) 244-3177 or email Zach Kessie at zach@firebarriersllc.com or visit www.firebarriersllc.com.
About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients' growth and success. Our mission is to implement a unified economic development effort and to expand employment and business opportunities for the benefit of the people of Whitley County by developing and maintaining cooperation of all individuals, groups, and organizations within the county. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit www.whitleyedc.com.