Thermoplastic maker will nearly double employment in SE Ohio
By Terry Troy
Ridge Corporation, an Ohio based manufacturer of thermoplastic materials, will invest more than $11 million to expand its production in Muskingum County, doubling the size of its facility while almost doubling the size of its workforce in Southeast Ohio. The project was done in collaboration with JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) and the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority.
“We know the Ridge Corporation could have chosen other locations for this expansion, but they chose Ohio,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The clients who rely on Ridge Corporation products in the U.S. and abroad can rest assured that their items are being built with care and delivered with ease from right here in Ohio.”
Founded in 2004, Ridge Corporation manufactures advanced composite materials which are fabricated into products used primarily by the transportation industry. The company supplies major makers of trucks, trailers, boats and recreational vehicles with durable and lightweight wall systems, floor units, and aerodynamic products such as trailer helmets and trailer skirts. Ridge’s brands include AeroGreen, Greenwing, Transcore, DiamondPly and PolarX.
“This expansion will double the size of Ridge Corporation’s facility and nearly double the size of its workforce in Southeast Ohio,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO during the groundbreaking event. “The upgrades they will make will keep Ridge on the cutting-edge of developing advanced composites that are recyclable, high-performance and in high demand from its growing customer base nationwide.”
The expansion will create 85 new jobs and retain 89 jobs in Muskingum County. The project will add 107,000 square feet to the existing 125,000 square foot facility. The company also has a plant in Licking County.
“Ridge’s diversified growth is due to new product and new process development that caters to dynamic customer needs in a responsible green environment,” Gary Grandominico, CEO and co-founder of the company said.“We are impressed with the labor resources in Muskingum County that complement our existing work force”.
“JobsOhio, Ohio Department of Development and Muskingum County assistance will accelerate Ridge’s ability to fulfill a growing customer demand with quality products built by highly trained technicians that understand our unique materials,” added Ray McDonald, COO and co-founder of the company. “We look forward to continued expansion in Southeast Ohio to manufacture products used around the globe.”
The project is still pending review of incentives from the State of Ohio, JobsOhio, and Muskingum County.
“We thank Ridge Corporation for their risk taking, investment, and job creation in Muskingum County,” said Mike Jacoby, OhioSE President, during the groundbreaking event. “Ridge Corporation is a very innovative company producing products that save fuel and improve the efficiency and safety of our transportation industry.”
The Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority congratulated the Ridge Corporation on their continued success in the advanced composite solutions market, on behalf of all of its local governmental partners.
“This investment in added manufacturing space and a commitment to our local workforce will stand to benefit Muskingum and surrounding counties for generations to come,” said Executive Director Matt Abbott, executive director of the Port Authority.
