INDEPENDENCE, VA —
What’s old is new again in Grayson County, as Nautilus fitness equipment once again rolls off the manufacturing line in Independence.
Med-Fit Systems Inc., the manufacturer of Nautilus products, announced Thursday afternoon that the first treadmill had been finished at the manufacturing plant in Grayson County, after bringing the production line back from China. Med-fit bought Nautilus in February of 2010.
“In an era when more and more suppliers to the industry are taking their products and jobs overseas, we are doing just the opposite, said Dean Sbragia, CEO of Med-Fit Systems, Inc., in a news release. “After careful analysis, we determined that we could compete favorably on price and exceed quality and innovation criteria by returning it to our own plant.”
Med-Fit added that it anticipates adding new jobs to the plant, as other product lines return to the Independence facility.
“The recent efforts made by Med-Fit Systems to return production of many of Nautilus’ product lines back to U.S. soil are greatly appreciated by the County and it demonstrates the strong commitment the Med-Fit leadership has to its community, its employees and its future,” stated Jonathan D. Sweet, Grayson County Administrator, in the news release. “Moreover, we are pleased to see that employment levels are increasing as a result of the strategic positioning Med-Fit is making in the market place and we are encouraged that Nautilus® products will continue to be the industry leader in strength equipment.”
Before the treadmill line returned to Grayson County, Med-Fit brought back the Nautilus F3 Free Weight line to the Independence plant.