Levi Hollow Tools, in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) and Adams County Economic Development, announced plans to invest $44,941 to increase the company’s manufacturing capacity to facilitate continued online sales growth, adding three full-time employees and two additional pieces of CNC equipment. JobsOhio is providing assistance in the form of a $25,000 Inclusion Grant for machinery and equipment costs.
The family-owned and operated specialty woodworking tool manufacturing company was started in 2009 by Richard Rhodes with the introduction of the TrueTrac Universal Circular Saw Guide System for handheld circular saws and routers, sold worldwide. In 2016 Levi Hollow Tools began shifting sales efforts away from traditional channels, including trade shows, to online (E-commerce) sales that today represent over 90% of company revenue.
“Since 2017 we have focused on streamlining our business model by selling direct to consumers,” said Jacob Rhodes, President and Owner of Levi Hollow Tools. “In addition, we have consolidated the majority of our manufacturing in-house with two CNC mills and a handful of other more specialized equipment. In late 2019 we added the TrueTrac Router Gantry System to our product portfolio, which utilizes a handheld router for large area slab/tabletop surfacing with an industry-unique threaded feed option. This expansion project will allow for higher production volumes to match demand, as well as allow new product development with the addition of a CNC lathe to our manufacturing area.”
JobsOhio Inclusion Grants exist to provide financial support for eligible projects in designated distressed communities and/or for businesses owned by underrepresented populations across the state.
“TrueTrac is an example of the entrepreneurial grit that exists in southern Ohio,” said OhioSE VP, Katy Farber. “This family-owned company has not only developed patented technology, but they have also successfully manufactured and taken the product to market. We are thankful that the JobsOhio Inclusion Grant can help catalyze their growth.”
“Levi Hollow Tools is a great family-owned and operated business in Adams County,” said Holly Johnson, Executive Director of Adams County Economic Development. “We are fortunate to be able to assist in supporting a local small business that continues to grow and is a valued asset in our community.”