Industrial Opportunities Inc. – better known as IOI – culminated a year-long celebration of their 50th anniversary with an open house celebration on Oct. 4.
Long known as one of the largest employers in Cherokee County and also as a provider of premiere U.S. military equipment through governmental contracts, the company is also the heart of working with people of varying disabilities to engage them in the workforce and also in their differing programs, such as creative writing.
Tom O’Brien, president of IOI and chair of the board of directors – along with several other former board members, local and state politicians – spoke to the large crowd, emphasizing both IOI and the community’s commitment to providing quality products and changing lives.
State Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin), fresh off a tour of the High Country’s devastation at the hands of Hurricane Helene, spoke about western North Carolina’s resilience in the face of any challenge – whether it be rebuilding literally or figuratively – and how it was fulfilling to still be able to celebrate in the midst of tragedy.
Corbin profusely thanked IOI for its commitment to making quality products for Americans, by Americans, and touted them for being a shining example of employment for those who are differently abled.
Other remarks by board member Randy Wiggins included a brief history of how IOI came into an economically depressed area, but has still managed to be a beacon for the community for more than 50 years, and what a testament that is to their commitment and accomplishments.
A ribbon cutting was held with both Andrews Chamber of Commerce Director Nola Cooper and Cherokee County Chamber Executive Director Victoria Ivie in attendance. Joining them were representatives of IOI’s spanning these last 50 years as well as the newest generation of employees.
O’Brien said of the ribbon cutting that it was symbolic for IOI’s next 50 years. He thanked the 110 former board members for their service over a half-century of existence, and also thanked staff and employees throughout the years for their dedication.
Before his closing comments, O’Brien also gave a brief overview of the company’s evolution from the day program for Adults with Disabilities and one post office box, using the barn-like Marble Activity Center in 1974, to its construction of the new 10,000-square-foot facility in Marble in 1982 to the 2003 acquisition of the former Lee plant in Andrews, which has seen significant expansion for both employee enjoyment with the addition of new cafeteria space as well as expansion of the manufacturing side in recent years.
With a crowd of more than 600 people throughout the four-hour event, the community enjoyed a luncheon with a twist: IOI provided complimentary lunch for each attendee, including employees who enjoyed a break, from one of four local food trucks including The Ark, DragonAss BBQ, Frank’s Dog House and Papa Kash.
Tours of the facility were given every half-hour, providing a chance to see the inner workings of the factory in real time.
Some of the items produced throughout the years include ammunition pouches used in the Iraq war in 2005; the production of helmet liners for Gentex in 2013, which remains one of the company’s most needed products and helped alleviate a backlog order for those products; Sonar Shields for Lockheed Martin, utilized by the U.S. Navy in 2018; mass production and design of more than 300,000 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic; and a total of over $134 million in wages and benefits to the community since buying the current location.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services director Dennis Myers led a portion of the tours which included a stop in the creative writing classroom led by Polly Kilpatrick, college and career readiness Instructor at Tri-County Community College in Peachtree.
Kilpatrick emphasized how her students read, write and produce a newspaper in each of her classes at the facility. Those who wish to participate in her program are fulfilling part of the longstanding partnership with the college by preparing for other workforce endeavors through learning important communication and writing skills.
Tours also were allowed to see the medical portion of the facility, which includes a virtually hermetically sealed room that is a germ-free environment for the production of Tactical Medical Solutions tourniquets.
This communal spirit is felt throughout the facility as many refer to it as “family” and the strong connections between Andrews and IOI that have been felt for generations.
Details: Visit industrialopportunities.com.