FRANKLIN
The mood was appropriately upbeat last Wednesday afternoon as Highground Services Inc. hosted an open house at the old power plant in downtown Franklin. It’s there that the business will move to following extensive renovations, which are estimated to take 8 to 10 months.

As previously reported, Highground Services got its start in the Franklin Incubator across the street, and last month announced its expansion.

“This is a monumental day for Franklin and Highground,” said Warren Beale Jr., chairman of Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc. “We congratulate you…You truly care about making Franklin and Southampton a better place. Jim and Lisa, we wish you the very best.”

Mayor Raystine Johnson-Ashburn echoed those sentiments.

“On behalf of the Franklin City Council…this is a monumental event for Franklin and Highground…We celebrate you for the planning and perseverance.”

Jim Strozier, the CEO, recognized the employees who have contributed to the company’s growth and success.

“John and I started a conversation in 2006,” Strozier said. “Let’s see how we can grow the business. He was referring to John Warren of Maximum Controls Inc.

He and Strozier, who owned Industrial Systems Engineering LLC., combined their respective businesses to form Highground Services in October of that year.

“This is the best group ever to work with in all my career. I’ve never seen such a cohesive group, and we even have fun,” Strozier added.