Submitted
PLAINVILLE — Since 1946, Palmer Hargrave has been a leader in the luxury lighting market. Eight months ago, the lighting manufacturer closed up shop after the parent company, DFC Holdings, Inc. filed for bankruptcy. Today, the lights are back on under new ownership and management. Chris and Kelli Hansen, long-time employees have purchased the legacy brand and will begin operations immediately alongside the experienced Production Manager, Don Wessel and skilled craftsman, Justin Klein, all of Plainville.
Hansen’s grew up in Plainville, moved away to earn their college degrees at Washburn University and moved back to their hometown in 2000, after the birth of their first son. They began their careers at Dessin Fournir Companies and gained valuable experience over the past nearly 20 years in everything from business administration, finance, sales and marketing, design, accounting and operations management. After DFC closed its doors, the couple was faced with many decisions as to what was next for them. Above all, they knew they wanted to stay in the Plainville community to continue to raise their family there. Because Palmer Hargrave is manufactured locally on Plainville’s main street, the couple began to pursue the business acquisition. Several months later and with the help of the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc. (NWKEICI, their financing partner, the Hansen’s and Palmer Hargrave are beginning a new chapter. According to Scott Sproul, President and CEO of NWKEICI, “our mission is to create opportunities and benefit the economic vitality in the 26 counties served. We are excited about the opportunities for Palmer Hargrave while re-establishing this national brand in Plainville. Local business leaders like Chris and Kelli Hansen have invested in Rooks County and demonstrated their commitment and leadership to make this new venture a success.”
Hansen’s are big advocates for rural businesses and economic development. Kelli spent 14 years in City Government including 8 years as Mayor of Plainville. During her tenure, she led many community improvement projects and was a strong proponent of local businesses. She also spent much time and effort working with Liberty Group, Inc. on the revitalization of the Chestnut Street District in downtown Hays as well as the development and ongoing operations of Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewing Company in Hays. Kelli continues to remain active by serving on the Boards of the Heartland Community Foundation, Rooks County Economic Development organization and E-Community. Likewise, Chris was elected to the USD 270 School Board in 2018 and continues to actively serve in that capacity.
Palmer Hargrave was founded in 1946 by Palmer “Jack” Hargrave in Oxnard, California. The company was passed onto his daughter Janet Hargrave, to run the family lighting business. Upon Janet’s retirement, Dessin Fournir acquired the lighting brand to join their other design brands and relocated to factory to Plainville in its current location, where Hansen’s will take over.
“We are ready to get back to work and are thrilled that we can help sustain a local business in Plainville,” says Hansen. “We’ve had a lot of support and encouragement from our families, friends, colleagues, and the design industry. Hansen continues, “while the local economy in Plainville has suffered some blows in 2018, we have the people, the talent and the technology necessary to preserve this business here."
