Perry County manufacturer announces expansion

Schmelzer Industries, in conjunction with JobsOhio and Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), Friday announced it will invest more than $850,000 in its Perry County facility, creating four new jobs.

Founded in 1986, Schmelzer Industries, based in Perry County, is a manufacturer of fiberglass surface veil, which is a thin fabric-like material used in laminated composite materials. As part of its strategy to grow the business, Schmelzer soon will be implementing a new production process that will allow it to provide a new, stronger type of veil that has different applications. The company believes there is a larger market for this type of veil. Thanks to a different type of process, the company also will reduce energy usage and costs.

The company currently has 22 full-time equivalent employees and will add four additional jobs through this investment.

"Schmelzer Industries is very pleased to be a recipient of this award through the JobsOhio Small Business Grant,” said Jean Schmelzer, President of Schmelzer Industries. “We are excited that new investment is being encouraged in Perry County and Southeast Ohio. This assistance will help upgrade our processes and equipment and keep us relevant in the fiberglass market. With the JobsOhio funding, we not only will be able to improve our existing process and add more jobs to Perry County, but will also become greener and cleaner for the future."

To assist with the project, JobsOhio provided a $50,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant. Ohio Southeast helped the company with the grant process and Perry County will provide job-related training.

The JobsOhio Small Business Grant provides financial support for projects in eligible communities and/or for businesses owned by underrepresented populations across the state.

“This really is a perfect project for the JobsOhio Small Business Grant program,” said Katy Farber, vice president of Ohio Southeast. “We can’t thank JobsOhio enough for creating this program a few years ago. It has provided valuable assistance to counties in our region. I also want to thank the company for making a significant investment in Perry County.”

Once the new equipment is installed, Schmelzer will develop a new product by adapting recently developed resin curing technology from a different market that can diversify its product offerings.

The Perry County Commissioners believe small businesses are the backbone of the local economy.

“Growing Perry County’s economy begins with helping our established employers to modernize and expand their Perry County operations,” said Scott Owen, Perry County Commissioner. “Schmelzer Industries’ new investment means more opportunity for our workforce and more funding for our schools and communities. We congratulate JobsOhio and OhioSE for making their resources available to our small business employers who are so important to our prosperity.” 

Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies and other entities to expand, retain and attract businesses in the counties they serve. Learn more at OhioSE.com.

JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow JobsOhio on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

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