Fidelity Manufacturing becomes employee-owned as it expands into Texas

Fidelity Manufacturing has transferred 100% ownership to an employee stock ownership plan, giving more than 550 workers an ownership stake while keeping the Ocala-based company independent. The move comes as the generator-enclosure maker prepares to open a 200,000-square-foot facility in McGregor, Texas, and add about 450 jobs over four years.

Why it matters: - Fidelity Manufacturing’s move to employee ownership locks in local control while giving eligible workers a company-funded retirement benefit tied to long-term performance. - The transition is designed to preserve the company’s culture and succession path as Fidelity grows beyond Florida. - The Texas expansion could materially increase Fidelity’s manufacturing capacity and employment base.

What happened: - Fidelity Manufacturing is now 100% owned by its employees through an employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP. - Founders Brad and Wendy Dinkins sold the company to the ESOP. - Employees learned about the change on Oct. 5 at a companywide meeting in Ocala. - The ESOP acquired 100% of Fidelity’s stock on Sept. 30, 2026. - Fidelity has more than 550 employees. - The company is headquartered in Ocala, Florida, and makes generator enclosures, fuel tanks and complete standby power packages for hospitals, data centers and other critical facilities.

The details: - Eligible employees receive shares at no cost as part of a company-funded retirement benefit. - Fidelity’s staff, operations and customer relationships remain unchanged. - Brad Dinkins will remain on the board. - Paul Dinkins will move from chief strategy officer to executive chair. - Ken Dinkins will join the board. - Two independent directors are also joining the board: Southeast Milk CFO Albert Antoine and Baylor University Professor Michael Rodriguez. - Fidelity is expanding into McGregor, Texas, where the company is preparing to begin operations this month. - The McGregor site is planned as a 200,000-square-foot facility. - Fidelity expects to create approximately 450 new jobs there over the next four years. - Employees hired in McGregor will join an employee-owned company and may become eligible for the ESOP. - Fidelity was founded in 2014 and continues to focus on mission-critical facilities, including healthcare systems, utilities, data centers, government agencies and industrial facilities. - Fidelity sells directly and through generator dealers and OEM partners.

Between the lines: - The ownership change gives Fidelity a succession structure that does not require outside buyers or a private-equity exit. - Employee ownership can help align workers with long-term performance, especially during a multi-state expansion. - The board changes suggest the Dinkins family is keeping oversight in place while adding independent governance.

What’s next: - Fidelity is expected to start operations at the McGregor facility this month. - New Texas hiring will continue as the facility ramps up over the next four years. - Eligible employees will continue accruing ESOP benefits as the company grows. - More information is available at the company’s website.