It’s no wonder some Fuller Industries employees were a tad jumpy when a thunderstorm rolled over the facility west of Great Bend last week. It brought back memories of the severe weather that pummeled the plant last July 16, causing extensive wind and water damage.

But, while some rooms remain makeshift offices and conference rooms with cabling dangling from the ceiling, and stacks of file cabinets, chairs and paperwork rise above the factory floor, repairs and improvements are taking place. The company took advantage of the situation to undertake a remodeling effort.

“The transformation that is taking place is amazing,” said Joe Mann, Fuller vice president and general manager. “It has been a long journey, but we are finally getting close to being finished.”

Even as the first phase of the front office work was wrapping up this week, employees were already moving into their new digs. Individual offices saw fixtures and decorations, and cubicles were occupied by busy staff members.

That storm last summer ripped much of the sprawling building’s roof off, leaving the interior exposed to the torrential rains. This left standing water, soggy ceiling tiles and ruined contents.

Work continues on the next phases of the renovations, he said. In the near future, everyone should be in their new offices.

“This has been a team effort out here,” Mann said. “Everyone has kept their spirts up, cooperated and made the best of a bad situation.”

Mann said there are plans to invite the public to see the revamped building once the renovations are complete. “These are the biggest improvements here since the plant was built over 50 years ago and we are really proud of what is being done.”