Two Companies Bolster NEO Manufacturing Base

 Two Companies Bolster NEO Manufacturing Base

Edge Plastics Injection Molding Machine

Ardagh Group and Edge Plastics add jobs in region

By Terry Troy

Two companies are bringing manufacturing jobs to Northeast Ohio, according to Team NEO, the private, nonprofit economic development organization for the region. Ardagh Group, a global leader in infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging solutions, has purchased a facility in Huron outside of Cleveland that it will turn into a manufacturing facility employing more than 200. Edge Plastics, a manufacturer of industrial injection molded products, plans to expand, not only retaining some 85 employees at its Mansfield facility, but adding an additional 67 jobs.

Ardagh Group’s new facility will produce beverage cans in multiple sizes for a variety of categories, including sparkling water, soft drinks, teas and alcoholic beverages.

“This project forms part of Ardagh’s Group’s global $2.1 billion 2021-2024 business growth investment program and is being undertaken to meet fast-growing demand as consumers increasingly recognize the environmental and quality advantages of beverage cans,” said Claude Marbach, CEO, Ardagh Metal – Beverage North America. “Our products deliver high recycle and content rates, which support customer sustainability targets and contribute to a circular economy. This latest expansion is indicative of Ardagh’s consistent commitment to supporting customer growth.”

“We are thrilled with Ardagh’s decision to invest and set down roots in Huron. They have proven to be a tremendously successful company that is growing rapidly,” said Matt Lasko, city manager for the city of Huron. “There has been renewed interest, from a development perspective, occurring in the region for the last few years, and Ardagh’s decision to locate here is a prime example of that. We look forward to the partnership moving forward.”

“Ardagh’s commitment demonstrates confidence in the trajectory of Erie County’s $1.6 B manufacturing economy and our region’s resources and people,” added Abbey Bemis, executive director for the Erie County Economic Development Corporation. “We are looking forward to the role Huron will play in Ardagh’s continued success.”

For its part, Edge Plastics said the Northeast Ohio Region’s proximity to markets and available talent, made it the best choice for expansion. Edge Plastics, a certified woman-owned business, worked on expansion plans with an economic development team comprising the City of Mansfield, the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development, the Ohio Developmental Services Agency, JobsOhio and Team NEO.

“Edge Plastics Inc. began manufacturing as D&M Plastics in 1975. The company was started by my parents, Marilyn and David Eckstein and I purchased the company from them in 2005,” said Shelley Fisher, president of Edge Plastics. “Our whole team is so excited to continue our growth in Mansfield and to be contributing to the economic viability of the region. It’s wonderful to see our economic partners work with companies like ours to create jobs and expand our businesses locally and throughout Ohio.”

“This is a major investment in Mansfield by Edge Plastics, and we were pleased to work with them throughout this process,” said Barrett Thomas, director of economic development for Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. “Our community has long been known as a great location for manufacturers and this expansion by Edge continues to demonstrate that.”

Barrett Thomas

The City of Mansfield appreciates the opportunity to work with and assist Edge plastics as they move forward with this significant investment in their facilities and state of the art injection molding equipment,” said Tim Bowersock, economic development director for the City of Mansfield. “The project confirms Edge Plastics and associated companies’ commitment to their continued growth in the city.”

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