Author Topic: Akron-Canton: General Business & Economic News (Read 16107 times)

metrocity · « **on:** May 09, 2007, 07:42:55 AM »

Growing company prefers to stay where it was born

InfoCision to keep HQ in area as it expands
Teleservices firm wants multibuilding campus site

By Betty Lin-Fisher
Beacon Journal business writer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com.

audidave · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2007, 07:00:34 PM »

Thought I'd help Lebron put Akron on the map. Worked on calculating this evening all the various projects I know going on in the Akron area. I'm sure I'm missing several still. But the numbers come up to right around a billion dollars in known projects for 2007 and 2008 or so. This doesn't include any projects smaller than 3.5 million. This also doesn't include any major road/highway projects although some of the developments have some public money kicked in on a couple to extend an access road/utilities like for Gojo. These are real projects and most are in the process of being built. Only Goodyear and Akron stadium haven't been officially announced.
millions
Goodyear HQ Estimated 500
Gojo facility in Falls 23
Americhem HQ in Falls 3.5
Bass Pro Estimated 50
Lockheed airship program 10
Akron Art museum 42
Northside lofts 30
St V-M(Lebron high) expansion estimated around 20-50
Elizabeth Park 60
Lebron's House est 10-20
First Energy offices est 20-30
U of Akron football stadium 55
Akron Biogas plant 7
downtown building/deck 10-15
metro hub facility 15
summa and acute care 30
redevelopment of main st 15
Akron General in Stow 35
Stow muni courthouse 8
Walsh HS expansion 8

There should be an announcement soon on Akron Canton airport next 5 yr plan.

ColDayMan · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2007, 06:13:50 AM »

Good for Akron!

audidave · « **Reply #3 on:** April 09, 2008, 06:08:08 AM »

From the Beacon:

http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/17413464.html

Wooster company will add 150 jobs
State aids construction with $6 million in loans

By Paula Schleis
Beacon Journal business writer

Published on Wednesday, Apr 09, 2008

TechniGraphics Inc. of Wooster will construct a $6.2 million building on its campus and create 150 jobs in digital mapping and computer-assisted design over the next three years. Co-owner Mary Vaidya and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher made the announcement before some 60 local business and community leaders, who gathered to cheer Wayne County's latest economic development coup. TechniGraphics has a dozen offices around the world, but the new jobs will be added here, thanks to a state and city incentive package. Ohio will give Techni-Graphics $6 million in fixed low-interest loans, and Wooster has approved a 75 percent tax abatement for 10 years...
CHOPPED

Master · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2008, 12:56:30 PM »

Akron incubator captures national award
Tenant takes second for outstanding technology client

By Paula Schleis
Beacon Journal business writer

Published on Wednesday, May 07, 2008

For 25 years, the Akron Global Business Accelerator has been a rather quiet force for economic development in Northeast Ohio.

But the national spotlight found it on Tuesday.

The facility won the 2008 Incubator Innovation Award from the National Business Incubation Association at the organization's annual conference in San Antonio, Texas...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com.

CornerCurve · « **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2008, 07:14:09 AM »

Akron approves InfoCision land deal

Posted by Robert Schoenberger July 08, 2008 13:10PM
Categories: Breaking News, Economic development

The Akron City Council has approved spending $6.75 million to buy two properties in the Bath-Akron-Fairlawn Joint Economic Development District as part of a $10.5 million expansion of call-center operator InfoCision.

http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2008/07/akron_approves_infocision_land.html

Master · « **Reply #6 on:** July 08, 2008, 11:55:07 AM »

Wow! More good news for Akron, which seems to be picking up a serious head of steam!

Master · « **Reply #7 on:** August 20, 2008, 03:03:13 PM »

2008 City of Akron NEWS Releases
from the desk of Mark Williamson

A. SCHULMAN TO OPEN POLYBATCHÒ MANUFACTURING FACILITY
IN AKRON, OHIO

(08/20/08) - A. Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: SHLM) announced today that it is expanding its North American PolybatchÒ manufacturing operations with a new plant at the site of its existing distribution warehouse in Akron, Ohio.
"We needed a new facility in the United States to build on our global success with Polybatch," said Joseph M. Gingo, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We intend to be a leader with this product line in the U.S. market just as we are an established leader in Europe and Mexico."

A. Schulman will receive financial incentives from the City of Akron, Summit County and the State of Ohio. The Company expects the facility to provide approximately 20 new jobs initially, and approximately 60 additional positions within the next few years as production increases.

The site has served as a manufacturing facility for other A. Schulman products in the past, and was the Company’s first plant when it opened in 1929. The Company has used it solely as a warehouse for its distribution business since November 2000. The distribution operations will continue at the site.

"Our decision to invest in this facility is in line with our overall strategy to maximize the use of our existing assets," Gingo said. "With the building and infrastructure already in place, we expect the conversion to be quick and manufacturing to begin at the site by October 2008."

Gingo added, "We greatly appreciate the support of the city, county and state leaders and their dedication to making this project possible. A. Schulman has a long and proud history in Akron, and we intend to continue to be a major contributor to the community."

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic said, "It is critical for us to create partnerships if we want to remain competitive as communities in Northeastern Ohio. The economy dictates that we join forces, combine resources and be a force for creating and retaining jobs. Akron has done this with companies small, medium and large and with considerable success."

Summit County Executive Russell Pry added, "The Job Center and Department of Economic Development have worked collaboratively with A. Schulman to provide Workforce Investment Act training funds so that the Company can hire workers who have been dislocated from other businesses in the county. This is a win for Summit County, as we get to keep good paying jobs right here."

A. Schulman’s Polybatch product line consists of specialized, high-tech additives for polypropylene, film, extrusion, injection molding and thermoforming applications, primarily in the packaging market. The additives enhance the performance of customers’ products with features such as antibacterial, antifogging and antistatic properties, easy-open packaging, and cling and foaming agents.

About A. Schulman
Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, A. Schulman is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins. These materials are used in a variety of consumer, industrial, automotive and packaging applications. The Company employs about 2,200 people and has 16 manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe (including Asia). Revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, were $1.8 billion. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal securities laws. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use such words as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, but are subject to a variety of uncertainties, unknown risks and other factors concerning the Company’s operations and business environment, which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of the Company. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements, and that could adversely affect the Company’s future financial performance, include, but are not limited to, the following:

Worldwide and regional economic, business and political conditions, including continuing economic uncertainties in some or all of the Company’s major product markets;
Fluctuations in the value of currencies in major areas where the Company operates, including the U.S. dollar, euro, U.K. pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, Chinese yuan and Indonesian rupiah;
Fluctuations in the prices of sources of energy or plastic resins and other raw materials;
Changes in customer demand and requirements;
Escalation in the cost of providing employee health care;
The outcome of any legal claims known or unknown;
The performance of the North American auto market; and
The North American recessionary economy.
Additional risk factors that could affect the Company’s performance are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that it believes to be immaterial also may adversely affect the Company. Should any known or unknown risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, these developments could have material adverse effects on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

This release contains time-sensitive information that reflects management’s best analysis only as of the date of this release. A. Schulman does not undertake an obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new events, information or circumstances, or otherwise. Further information concerning issues that could materially affect financial performance related to forward-looking statements can be found in A. Schulman’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

audidave · « **Reply #8 on:** August 20, 2008, 04:05:32 PM »

I've been noticing a lot of Fieros on the road lately. It would appear the reason is because they really do get decent gas mileage even though they are like 20 year old cars and they've held up. The main reason for this is because they are light in weight because they were the first plastic body paneled production car. I don't think there have been too many more cars that have used as much plastic as this car. This is basically what A. Schulman does. It makes plastic parts and they do make some bumpers and some plastic body panels. It would seem to be the right time for this company to start making serious inroads into the automotive industry when cars should be getting designed with lower weight again.

guatadopt · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2008, 05:18:28 AM »

Yea, Akron! I'm in Cleveland, but love hearing good news from Akron.

the pope · « **Reply #10 on:** August 21, 2008, 08:39:29 AM »

Let's see, better suited for Random Akron-Canton Development Thread in P&C or Ohio Business and Economy?

Master, a more descriptive thread title and a url to the press release would also be appreciated.

Master · « **Reply #11 on:** August 22, 2008, 01:11:09 PM »

Quote from: the pope on August 21, 2008, 08:39:29 AM

Let's see, better suited for Random Akron-Canton Development Thread in P&C or Ohio Business and Economy?

Master, a more descriptive thread title and a url to the press release would also be appreciated.

When you say "more descriptive thread title", do you mean my title needs to be more descriptive or that I need to be more precise with my choice of threads to post this article. I'm sorry, but I am totally confused by these threads and how to post what, where. I can't figure out where to go to even start a new thread. And what is the difference between a development thread and a construction thread. This is a new development concerning a new development, that will consist of new construction, which could facilitate a city discussion.

I'm not trying to be difficult, but I need clarification. I would be more than happy to follow the rules. I really try, yet every time I post something, it seems to be the wrong place.

the pope · « **Reply #12 on:** August 23, 2008, 04:29:07 AM »

Kinda a mixed bag of judgment I suppose.

Title: Should at least contain the city, the business or what's invovled. When in doubt, go with the newspaper column title.

As for where the thread goes, that's up in the air. I'm inclined to put it over in Ohio Business and Economy since its about a Akron business and their plant. If you want we could have an Akron General and Business Moves thread where a lot of these little announcement will end up. Those types of threads are good for announcements like these. Or alternatively there could be an A. Schulman thread if the company generates enough news on their own.

The other option would be dumping thins into the Akron-Canton Developments Thread, since this news does invovle expansion of a business and potentially construction.

City Discussions generally is about social, demographic, crime, and other issues across cities and metros.

Its not a Science, its more of an art.

audidave · « **Reply #13 on:** December 14, 2008, 07:58:57 AM »

This sounds very promising from a new tenant at the Akron Incubator/Accelerator..

http://www.ohio.com/business/36123444.html

The Midas touch

Akron incubator tenant works on process to turn scrap into liquid gold: oil

By Paula Schleis
Beacon Journal business writer

Published on Sunday, Dec 14, 2008

William Ullom describes turning scrap tires, plastic parts and dirty solvents into petroleum as if it's the simplest process in the world. And one day soon, it might well be.
Ullom is managing partner of Vadose Research & Development, a new Akron Global Business Accelerator tenant that is commercializing a system to help companies turn their waste into liquid gold.
CHOPPED

Master · « **Reply #14 on:** December 17, 2008, 12:30:55 PM »

Wow! Akron is once again poised to be the center of something huge. This sounds like potential jobs that ordinary people who have no college degrees can have.

As long as it is as clean as it sounds, I like it. But if it isn't, it can turn into Akron being the new dumping station.

JamesMatthew · « **Reply #15 on:** April 22, 2009, 03:30:43 PM »

Akron mall for sale in Internet auction

By Betty Lin-Fisher
Beacon Journal business writer

POSTED: 09:28 p.m. EDT, Apr 22, 2009

Rolling Acres is going on the Internet auction block... www.ohio.com

JamesMatthew · « **Reply #16 on:** April 22, 2009, 03:44:27 PM »

It's wierd looking at those pictures on the auction website. I miss it

KJP · « **Reply #17 on:** June 17, 2009, 02:00:54 PM »

http://www.ohio.com/news/break_news/48193682.html

New call center could bring 1,500 jobs to Akron
By Jim Carney and Katie Byard
Beacon Journal staff writers

POSTED: 06:46 p.m. EDT, Jun 16, 2009

As many as 1,500 new jobs could result from the opening of a new call center in the old Firestone Bank building on Akron's South Main Street.

The business, PlusOne Communications, is expected to announce the hiring binge at a news conference this morning at the former bank.

.........

yanni_gogolak · « **Reply #18 on:** June 18, 2009, 12:39:39 AM »

One posted on the original article had an interesting perspective on the 1,500 supposed jobs:

Quote

The owner's quote says "the Akron operations will start with 30 employees in July and should build up its ranks by 50 to 60 new employees a month."

Starting with 30, and adding the upper prediction of 60 per month, the business won't reach Plusquellic's claim of 300 until December, 2009 or the ABJ's touted level of 1,500 until June, 2011.

KJP · « **Reply #19 on:** June 18, 2009, 01:39:41 AM »

That's only two years off and doesn't surprise me. Here's some more coverage....
____________________

http://www.ohio.com%2fbusiness%2f48391797.html

Call center says Akron full of talent
President of PlusOne praises residents' work ethic, integrity

By Betty Lin-Fisher
Beacon Journal business writer
Published on Thursday, Jun 18, 2009

The head of a new call-center company said the Akron area has enough hard-working, qualified people to support his company as well as similar enterprises in town.

........

yanni_gogolak · « **Reply #20 on:** June 18, 2009, 02:00:09 AM »

Quote

Robert Madden said the company's new name, PlusOne Communications, is to honor Plusquellic.

''We thought the one way to give Don a little bit of appreciation to help jump start this part of town is to take part of his name and add the number one. It's plus one building at a time,'' he said. ''Our name really truly does come from the vision that Don created.''

Quipped Plusquellic, who is in the middle of a recall election: ''I'm sure the bloggers will be accusing me of making out for selling my name rights. I didn't even receive a dollar for that, so we're allowing that to happen without any compensation.

Wow, lame. I'm sure the Akron bloggers will be all over that.

audidave · « **Reply #21 on:** June 18, 2009, 11:53:59 AM »

I can't see that many people working in this building. My understanding is the building had at most 80-100 people working in it originally when it was a bank. I can see maybe 200-300 people working there and if in 2 shifts they can double that. Beyond that, it will be a workforce taking calls remotely or one hell of a cramped boiler room..

yanni_gogolak · « **Reply #22 on:** June 19, 2009, 01:17:57 AM »

Quote from: audidave on June 18, 2009, 11:53:59 AM

I can't see that many people working in this building. My understanding is the building had at most 80-100 people working in it originally when it was a bank. I can see maybe 200-300 people working there and if in 2 shifts they can double that. Beyond that, it will be a workforce taking calls remotely or one hell of a cramped boiler room..

I didnt even think about that. I agree, there is no way that building could fit 1,500 people. It has a decent size footprint, maybe 10,000 s.f.? but, if I recall, its only 3-stories.

yanni_gogolak · « **Reply #23 on:** June 19, 2009, 05:07:32 AM »

Hundreds line up for jobs at new call center in Akron

By Jim Carney
Beacon Journal staff writer

POSTED: 05:40 p.m. EDT, Jun 18, 2009

Some wore suits. Others dressed in jeans.

Some were fresh out of high school. Others had gray hair.

To see more, click link
www.ohio.com

metrocity · « **Reply #24 on:** June 19, 2009, 05:36:00 AM »

Quote

I can't see that many people working in this building. My understanding is the building had at most 80-100 people working in it originally when it was a bank. I can see maybe 200-300 people working there and if in 2 shifts they can double that. Beyond that, it will be a workforce taking calls remotely or one hell of a cramped boiler room..

They might be able to get 1500 with 2 shifts as you said. The bank probably had much larger sq footage per person in the space plan...maybe 8-10 sq feet for cubicles. A call center can place people in long continuous desks that take up a 3rd of the space. A lot of the systems furniture companies have new product lines that can maximize space for job functions like this. Since it was the HQ for Firstone Bank at one time, it probably had large conference spaces and filing as well that can be utilized.

The building is cool, glad to see it getting use

yanni_gogolak · « **Reply #25 on:** June 19, 2009, 06:40:24 AM »

It is a good building. It was in a pretty bad state, masonry spalling, etc... They put some money into fixing it up.

KJP · « **Reply #26 on:** May 07, 2010, 01:59:53 AM »

I suppose this could go here, since Kent is in Greater Akron. This sounds like a terrific new mixed-use development for downtown Kent. The rendering looks pretty good (as renderings often do!)...

Kent companies eye downtown project
Davey Tree, Ametek planning to anchor new development
By Paula Schleis
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Friday, May 07, 2010

KENT: The Davey Tree Expert Co. may move 70 employees back downtown, becoming a high-profile anchor for two new commercial/retail buildings about to rise from the demolished remains of a blighted block.

Another longtime Kent employer — Ametek Lamb Electric Co. — has also signed a letter of intent to lease space in the development, moving about 80 employees from its current Lake Street home.

Together, Davey and Ametek hope to take over 75 percent of the office space that will be available in the three-story buildings.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.ohio.com/news/93049814.html

gbk0114 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 03, 2010, 08:39:20 PM »

Sounds like a progressive plan by leaders of Jackson Twp., Canton and Stark State to regionalize and bring out of state (country) jobs to Stark County.

http://www.indeonline.com/newsnow/x775081891/Jackson-Canton-economic-development-pact-can-move-forward

yanni_gogolak · « **Reply #28 on:** August 01, 2010, 02:56:35 AM »

/\/\ Thats awesome news!

KJP · « **Reply #29 on:** February 02, 2011, 03:27:03 AM »

Yay!

Timken Co. to invest $35 million at Canton rolling mill
By DAN SHINGLER
4:25 pm, February 1, 2011

Timken Co. (NYSE: TKR) of Canton said it will invest $35 million in a high-volume, in-line forge press for its Faircrest rolling mill in its hometown.

That makes $85 million Timken has announced in the last six months that it will invest in its Canton steel works. Last August, Timken announced $50 million worth of capital improvements to its other steelmaking operations in that city.

The new press will be used in the forging of specialty steels and will both increase capacity and decrease production costs at the facility. Timken said the equipment should be installed and operating by early 2013.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20110201/FREE/110209979

Gramarye · « **Reply #30 on:** March 03, 2011, 07:33:35 AM »

FirstEnergy merger gets OK, creating nation's largest utility

Akron’s FirstEnergy Corp. has received the final approval needed for a deal to merge with Allegheny Energy, creating the nation’s largest electric utility, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

The final piece of the process was an approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. FirstEnergy’s (NYSE:FE) deal for Greensburg, Pa.-based Allegheny is valued at about $8.1 billion.

The transaction is expected to close within a week, the paper reported. The companies haven’t indicated how the combination might affect their combined work force of nearly 18,000.

Original Link:
http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/morning_call/2011/02/firstenergy-merger-gets-ok.html

noozer · « **Reply #31 on:** April 18, 2011, 07:39:34 AM »

Monday April 18, 2011

Timken Co. to increase steelmaking capacity at its Canton operations
12:06 pm, April 18, 2011

Timken Co. (NYSE: TKR) said it will increase its annual steelmaking capacity by 120,000 tons across its steel manufacturing operations in Canton.

The producer of steel and bearings said it is achieving this boost through a series of improvements at its Harrison Steel Plant that build upon the $60 million rolling-mill investment completed there in 2008.

Timken said continuous improvement efforts at the Harrison plant over the last two years have allowed the company to achieve record output well beyond the new mill's original design.

Read more at: http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20110418/FREE/110419875#

KJP · « **Reply #32 on:** April 27, 2011, 01:03:44 AM »

VXI Looks at Canton, Still Likes Youngstown
April 27, 2011 6:36 a.m.
By George Nelson

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- VXI Global Solutions Inc. is considering establishing a call center in Canton, but that doesn't preclude further expansion of its Youngstown operations or signal dissatisfaction with the company's performance here, executives say.

The Ohio Tax Credit Authority this week approved a 7-year, 60% job creation tax credit -- valued at an estimated $1.06 million over the term -- for the proposed Canton call center, reported Bethany McCorcle, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Development. The call center, if VXI moves forward with it, would create 568 jobs, she said.

VXI is considering the Canton area for a new call center "to accommodate our requirements for client expansion," confirmed Nick Covelli, VXI senior vice president, sales and marketing, but that decision hasn't been finalized.

READ MORE AT:
http://business-journal.com/vxi-looks-at-canton-still-likes-youngstown-p19055-1.htm

noozer · « **Reply #33 on:** May 23, 2011, 01:15:53 AM »

A look at Timken in China
4,000 are on the payroll in its Chinese operations. Growth is major priority
By Justin Parsons
Special to the Beacon Journal

Published on Sunday, May 22, 2011

China's economy is a complex juxtaposition of ideologies, a communist government leading state-directed capitalism, where thousands line up daily to pay respects to Chairman Mao while enjoying the fruits of a capitalist marketplace of goods and services.

Freeway traffic in Shanghai at midday is a visible reminder of China's growing economy.
Private enterprises were not sanctioned until 1988, and yet in the first decade of the new millennium, China rocketed from sixth- to the second-largest economy in the world, behind only the United States. American businesses played a large part in that growth.

''It all started with joint ventures. There was a time and a place when that was the only way to do business,'' said David Turchetti, vice president of the American Chamber of Commerce. ''Since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, there has been an opening for more and more businesses to come here.''

Read more at: http://www.ohio.com/business/122407329.html

noozer · « **Reply #34 on:** August 19, 2011, 01:44:08 AM »

Suarez to start production at Hoover District on Sept. 6.
By Edd Pritchard
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Aug 18, 2011 @ 08:45 PM

NORTH CANTON — Suarez Manufacturing Industries will be up and running in the Hoover District on Sept. 6, making products once made in China and creating jobs for local residents.

EdenPURE space heaters and other products will be assembled in a 200,000-square-foot warehouse that Hoover Co. once used as a distribution center. About 70,000 square feet are being used for production and assembly, with the remainder set aside for storage and distribution.

“It’s all U.S. made,” Suarez told a crowd that came Thursday morning to tour the facility.

Read more at: http://www.cantonrep.com/carousel/x1852624616/Suarez-to-start-production-at-Hoover-District-on-Sept-6

News:

Author Topic: Akron-Canton: General Business & Economic News (Read 16107 times)