Schmelzer Industries Announces Expansion in Perry County | News, Sports, Jobs

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. (Photo provided)

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 veils, a thin, cloth-like material used in laminated composites. As part of its company growth strategy, Schmelzer will soon implement a new production process that will allow it to provide a new type of veil that is stronger and has different applications. The company believes there is a larger market for this type of veil. With a different type of process, the company will also reduce its energy consumption 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 receive this award through the JobsOhio Small Business Grant,” said Jean Schmelzer, President of Schmelzer Industries. “We are excited to see new investment being encouraged in Perry County and Southeast Ohio. This support will help us modernize our processes and equipment and remain relevant in the fiberglass market. With the funding from JobsOhio, we will not only be able to improve our current process and create more jobs in Perry County, but we will also become greener and cleaner for the future.”

To assist with the project, JobsOhio awarded a $50,000 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 provides financial support to projects in eligible communities and/or businesses owned by underrepresented populations across the state.

“This is truly 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 been a huge help 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 the recently developed resin curing technology from a different market that can diversify its product offering.

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

“Growing Perry County’s economy begins with helping our established employers modernize and expand their operations 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 business employers who are so important to our prosperity.”