FASTA’s future: July 1 opening

LITTLETON — As the July 1 opening draws near for a new production plant in Littleton, owner Terry Fowler is pumped about bringing Foam and Steel Technology Associates Inc. (FASTA) to the Valley.

Since the announcement of FASTA’s plan to open a plant here, a job fair was held at Halifax Community College. With only 24 jobs available as the plant opens initial production, more than 440 applicants showed up for the day-long fair.

For many residents, FASTA is an unknown quantity.

“We produce steel and foam panels for green, energy efficient, affordable houses and commercial buildings,” Fowler said. “Our products, when used in construction, can reduce heating and cooling bills by 40 percent or more.” The company is now headquartered in Fairfax, Va., but Fowler said he will probably move the entire operation to Littleton in the “not too distant future.”

Fowler learned of the Valley area while serving in the U.S. Air Force. “My first duty assignment as a second lieutenant in the Air Force was at the 632 Radar Squadron in Roanoke Rapids. I spent two years there and got to know the area pretty well, especially Myrick Estates golf course. Also, I had a sailboat which I sailed on Lake Gaston. I wish I had the foresight to purchase some property way back then,” he said.

Fowler has long been interested in “green” products and improving energy efficiency, and once he retired from the Air Force, he went to work starting FASTA. “I knew green affordable housing was the wave of the future and I wanted to get in as fast as I could.”

As the Littleton plant comes on line, the plant will focus on producing panelized packages and specialty panel applications for residential and light commercial applications. “We also have plans to open additional facilities in the future,” he added.

With work on the building already well underway, Fowler said further improvements will be made as needed to accommodate the operational plans and capacity requirements. He said as the company continues to grow, FASTA has enough land at the Littleton facility to expand. “We will expand there when the time comes.”

Fowler has plans for FASTA that will mean much more than just the jobs his company provides. “We are currently sourcing local suppliers for raw materials or components we use. We receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits when we use local businesses but that's just one advantage. We want FASTA to be involved with the local community and its businesses.”

Fowler also said local builders will use FASTA products to be produced at the Littleton plant. “These types of relationships are good for the developer/builder as well as the local economy and ultimately the owner by providing energy efficient, green, homes that are resistant to insects, moisture, mold and mildew, and a structure that does not contribute to flame and generally qualifies for lower homeowner insurance rates.”

Halifax County seemed to be a perfect fit for the young company, Fowler said. “FASTA needed a large plant with high ceilings, close to interstate highways and major ports for international shipping. Cathy (Halifax County Economic Development Director Cathy Scott) didn't have to convince me to come to Littleton. As soon as she showed us the plant and we heard what the state of North Carolina would provide FASTA, I knew we'd found a home. North Carolina and Halifax County are a great place to live and work.”

As workers continue making the necessary ceiling repairs to the Littleton plant, FASTA is already moving things into the building. “Our state-of-the-art equipment is almost finished being built, we have offices, telephones, a DSL line and we are working on the inside of the building,” he said. ”Everyday we are getting closer to being ready for operation. It's an ongoing process and we will be in production by July 1 at the latest.”

Most everyone in the Littleton area is thrilled to see the long, vacant building occupied and producing a sustainable product. “Most of the neighboring businesses are really excited,” said Jim Perreault, who owns International Motorcars next door. “I think he’s a great guy. I’ve met him and we’re looking forward to having a great new business in Littleton.”

Fowler’s excitement seemed contagious. “Littleton and Roanoke Rapids are so friendly, we are the excited ones. There is plenty of experienced labor and the cost of living is about 60 percent of what it is in the Washington, D.C. area.”