Perry County Producer Announces Expansion | News, Sports, Jobs

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

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

Founded in 1986, Perry County-based Schmelzer Industries is a manufacturer of fiberglass surface veil, a thin, fabric-like material used in laminated composite materials. As part of the company’s growth strategy, Schmelzer will soon implement a new manufacturing process that will allow it to deliver a new, stronger type of veil for a variety of applications. The company believes there is a larger market for this type of veil. The different type of process will also reduce the company’s energy consumption and costs.

The company currently employs 22 full-time staff and this investment will create four additional jobs.

“Schmelzer Industries is very pleased to receive this JobsOhio Small Business Grant award” 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 us improve our processes and equipment and maintain our position in the fiberglass market. With the JobsOhio Fund, we will not only be able to improve our current process and add more jobs to Perry County, but we will also become greener and cleaner in the future.”

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

The JobsOhio Small Business Grant program provides financial support to projects in eligible communities and/or businesses belonging to underrepresented populations throughout the state.

“This is truly an ideal 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 several years ago. It has provided valuable support 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 using a recently developed resin curing technology from another market, allowing it to diversify its product offering.

The Perry County Commission believes that small businesses are the backbone of the local economy.

“Growing Perry County’s economy starts with helping our established employers modernize and expand their businesses in Perry County.” said Perry County Commissioner Scott Owen. “Schmelzer Industries’ new investment means more opportunities for our workforce and more funding for our schools and communities. We applaud JobsOhio and OhioSE for making their resources available to our small businesses who are so important to our well-being.”