FSG Manufacturing, specializing in household and industrial chemicals, opened its new location in Blandon on Sunday, Nov. 1, with a visit from Hollywood actor Daniel Roebuck.
Roebuck, who starred in various television shows and movies since his 1985 debut in “Cavegirl,” was in the Lehigh Valley filming scenes for his independent film “Getting Grace.” He notably starred in shows such as “Glee,” “Lost” and “CSI” and alongside Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones in the movie “The Fugitive.”
His latest project, “Getting Grace,” follows the story of a teenager dying of cancer, who teaches a funeral director important life lessons. Since Roebuck is producing “Getting Grace” without studio involvement, local figures have the opportunity to get involved. Even FSG owner Fred Granoski, a friend of Roebuck’s, may join producing for the movie.
“We’re trying to make it ourselves without studio involvement, so that means I need the help of people who can volunteer, and help and cook, and put people up…that’s key to making a small movie successful,” Roebuck said.
Roebuck enjoys going home to see friends such as Fred and others who own stands at Renninger’s Market.
“Wherever I go, someone knows me because I’m literally on TV every day… So coming back to the Lehigh Valley is great because there could be people here that actually do know me,” he said.
At FSG’s grand reopening, Roebuck helped with the official ribbon cutting ceremony, signed autographs and took photos with guests.
FSG sells its products worldwide and is celebrating its third anniversary. Its seven employees pulled together the new location after Granoski bought it in July.
“We didn’t hire anybody to put anything in. We did it ourselves. It’s a lot of hard work, and that’s kind of why we wanted to celebrate,” Granoski said.
On Sunday, the company offered samples of its products, which it began selling on its website, www.pitcrewcarcareproducts.com, and other companies’ websites that week. A new highlight is professional car cleaning products, which the company assemble and ship. According to Granoski, the business is seeking to sell products in auto parts stores. The company already supplies products to NASCAR racer David Starr.
“You’ve got to start somewhere, so we’re going to start in the little town of Blandon and see where it goes,” he said.
Current and former employees and other members of the community also attended.
Fabian Wentschler, a machine operator for FSG, said the new location is “a total turnaround.” He helped break down old machinery and install it at the new location for about a month and a half.
“I’m looking forward to a good future the next couple years here,” he said.
Michael Yenser, the floor supervisor, was pleasantly surprised to see supporters such as Roebuck at the opening.
“It’s been hectic getting everything together, but it will all be worth it,” he said.
