FRANKLIN, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 20, 2025--
Vybond Group, Inc., a leader in specialty tape manufacturing, officially opened its new corporate headquarters in Franklin, Kentucky, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated both a new beginning and a return to its roots. Local leaders, community members, and company executives gathered at the historic manufacturing site, which has produced tape products since 1957.
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The newly named Vybond headquarters is more than just an administrative shift—it's a reaffirmation of the company’s long-standing connection to Simpson County. “While we’re welcoming a new name, we’re also welcoming back old friends,” said Steve Thurmond, President of the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce, noting that many Vybond leaders, including CEO Mike Hill and COO John Baker, began their Vybond careers at this very site.
In his remarks, Hill shared the emotional significance of the moment. “This is a homecoming. I started here in 1997, and I now have the honor of leading Vybond as it embarks on an exciting new chapter. We are investing over $20 million into new equipment and facility upgrades here in Franklin—this isn’t just about business growth, it’s about honoring the people who’ve made this place special.”
The plant, relocated initially from Chicago in 1957, has evolved into one of the region’s longest-operating industrial facilities. Vybond’s continued success is built on deep community ties, multigenerational employee loyalty, and a culture of operational excellence. “We’re on our fourth generation of workers in some families,” said Hill. “We want to be the premier employer in the region and continue providing opportunities for decades to come.”
John Baker, who was named plant manager almost 20 years ago, echoed those sentiments. “This building has stood for nearly 70 years because of its people. This place helped feed families, raise kids, and support our community. It’s more than a factory—it’s a part of our lives.”
The ceremony included recognition of local leaders and stakeholders who played a pivotal role in making Vybond’s headquarters relocation possible, including the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority, city and county officials, and long-time community supporters. Mayor Larry Dixon and Simpson County Judge-Executive Mason Barnes both praised the company’s commitment to local investment and job creation.
“This facility has offered generations of families the chance to thrive,” said Mayor Dixon. “We are proud that Vybond chose to continue that legacy here in Franklin.”
Judge-Executive Barnes highlighted the cultural and economic impact of Vybond’s investment, saying, “The $20 million investment is impressive, but the investment in people is even more important. It’s that commitment that will carry this plant into the next 70 years.”
Following the formal remarks, the executive team participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting, surrounded by hundreds of employees, guests, and community supporters.
Vybond operates three facilities across the U.S., with Franklin serving as the company’s flagship location. With its expanded leadership team, renewed investment, and deep Kentucky roots, Vybond is poised to lead the specialty tapes industry into a new era of performance, innovation, and partnership.
About Vybond
Vybond is a leading manufacturer of high-performance pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes and specialty materials. Headquartered in Franklin, Kentucky, with facilities in New York and Rhode Island, Vybond serves a wide range of industries—from construction and medical to aerospace and consumer goods. Now operating independently under Nautic Partners, Vybond is accelerating innovation and expanding global partnerships with a customer-first approach.
Vybond leadership team ceremoniously cut the ribbon on Vybond's new headquarters in Franklin, KY.
Vybond leadership and Franklin, KY community members celebrating the ribbon-cutting of Vybond's new headquarters in Franklin, KY.
NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of nurses in three hospital systems in New York City went on strike Monday after negotiations through the weekend failed to yield breakthroughs in their contract disputes.
The strike was taking place at The Mount Sinai Hospital and two of its satellite campuses, with picket lines forming. The other affected hospitals are NewYork-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.
About 15,000 nurses are involved in the strike, according to New York State Nurses Association.
“After months of bargaining, management refused to make meaningful progress on core issues that nurses have been fighting for: safe staffing for patients, healthcare benefits for nurses, and workplace violence protections,” the union said in a statement issued Monday. “Management at the richest hospitals in New York City are threatening to discontinue or radically cut nurses’ health benefits.”
The strike, which comes during a severe flu season, could potentially force the hospitals to transfer patients, cancel procedures or divert ambulances. It could also put a strain on city hospitals not involved in the contract dispute, as patients avoid the medical centers hit by the strike.
The hospitals involved have been hiring temporary nurses to try and fill the labor gap during the walkout, and said in a statement during negotiations that they would “do whatever is necessary to minimize disruptions.” Montefiore posted a message assuring patients that appointments would be kept.
“NYSNA’s leaders continue to double down on their $3.6 billion in reckless demands, including nearly 40% wage increases, and their troubling proposals like demanding that a nurse not be terminated if found to be compromised by drugs or alcohol while on the job," Montefiore spokesperson Joe Solmonese said Monday after the strike had started. "We remain resolute in our commitment to providing safe and seamless care, regardless of how long the strike may last.”
New York-Presbyterian accused the union of staging a strike to “create disruption,” but said in a statement that it has taken steps to ensure patients receive the care they need.
"We’re ready to keep negotiating a fair and reasonable contract that reflects our respect for our nurses and the critical role they play, and also recognizes the challenging realities of today’s healthcare environment,” the statement said.
The work stoppage is occurring at multiple hospitals simultaneously, but each medical center is negotiating with the union independently. Several other hospitals across the city and in its suburbs reached deals in recent days to avert a possible strike.
The nurses’ demands vary by hospital, but the major issues include staffing levels and workplace safety. The union says hospitals have given nurses unmanageable workloads.
Nurses also want better security measures in the workplace, citing incidents like a an incident last week, when a man with a sharp object barricaded himself in a Brooklyn hospital room and was then killed by police.
The union also wants limitations on hospitals’ use of artificial intelligence.
The nonprofit hospitals involved in the negotiations say they’ve been working to improve staffing levels, but say the union’s demands overall are too costly.
Nurses voted to authorize the strike last month.
Both New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani had expressed concern about the possibility of the strike. As the strike deadline neared, Mamdani urged both sides to keep negotiating and reach a deal that “both honors our nurses and keeps our hospitals open.”
“Our nurses kept this city alive through its hardest moments. Their value is not negotiable,” Mamdani said.
State Attorney General Letitia James voiced similar support, saying "nurses put their lives on the line every day to keep New Yorkers healthy. They should never be forced to choose between their own safety, their patients’ well-being, and a fair contract.”
The last major nursing strike in the city was only three years ago, in 2023. That work stoppage, at Mount Sinai and Montefiore, was short, lasting three days. It resulted in a deal raising pay 19% over three years at those hospitals.
It also led to promised staffing improvements, though the union and hospitals now disagree about how much progress has been made, or whether the hospitals are retreating from staffing guarantees.
Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
FILE - A medical worker transports a patient at Mount Sinai Hospital, April 1, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
