Gold Bond Worldwide (asi/57653) has announced it will relocate one of its facilities by the end of 2016. The company’s Covington, TN, facility – which produces full-color mugs, mouse pads, commemorative plates and other items – will be closed. Operations will move to the company’s Hixson, TN, facility, where drinkware, pens, bags, golf balls and other hard goods are manufactured.

“When Gold Bond acquired World Wide Line in 2014, we brought all customer-facing operations to one location,” said Mark Godsey, president of Gold Bond Worldwide. “By centralizing departments such as Customer Service, Order Entry and Art, we are able to provide comprehensive service to our customers. Having all of our production under one roof will allow us to be more efficient, providing even more value to distributors. Our intention is to make the transition as seamless as possible for our customers.”

Kim Newell, vice president of operations at Gold Bond Worldwide, said that for employees who choose not to relocate, the company is working with the Covington business community to find jobs that match their skill levels. For employees who are willing to relocate, Newell said the company is working diligently to find positions within the Hixson facility. So far, five employees have chosen to relocate, seven will work from home and five have yet to decide if they will relocate. The company will host a career/job fair at the Covington location on November 3.

“Gold Bond Worldwide is a family-run business, and we are concerned for the livelihood of our team members,” Newell said.