In the last five years, hundreds of workers were let go from one of Elyria’s largest companies. Now, there is reason to celebrate at Invacare in Elyria.
In 2012, the FDA put strict requirements on the company, resulting in a major reduction in the manufacturing of specialized manual and powered wheelchairs.
Invacare has met those requirements, giving them a bright future once again.
Now, the global company could soon be putting out the "now hiring" notice locally.
Not only is that good news for Invacare, but it is also good news for the city of Elyria, which lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax revenue.
"Any city that can have a good industry, that's in a vibrant market, that makes relevant products, that has a future, is really great," said Invacare CEO Matt Monaghan.
The FDA’a requirements had nothing to do with the quality of the specialized manual and powered wheelchairs.
Instead, it came down to detailed paperwork.
The FDA wanted better documentation of training, response to complaints and design history.
Now that those issues have been addressed, Invacare can get back to full time production.
Invacare also plans to start hiring as sales increase.
"The most important thing is to get out and start selling these products, and as our business grows things like that happen," said Monaghan.
It not only means Invacare can help those with certain health issues that require specialized wheelchairs, it also means Invacare can start winning back customers.
"Our customers who are out in hospitals around the country, or clinics that are looking for the best solutions to help people regain independence, and now we're able to have all of our products out there freely," said Monaghan.
"It means that the city of Elyria can gain employment again. It means that our products are going to be known worldwide again," said Invacare worker Nancy Gardner.
Gardner has done electrical work for Invacare for 30 years and has seen many coworkers lose their jobs.
She looks forward to seeing familiar faces again, as well as new employees.
"We miss a lot of people, we lost a lot of good people that worked here many years, but we’re looking for more people to come back and maybe some new employment to come in," Gardner said.
In the last five years, Invacare has gone from 1,200 workers to 600. Now they hope to beef up their workforce over time.
