A trio of Southern Ohio-based businesses are announcing an expansion of their local operations, bringing more jobs to the southern Ohio area. Starr’s Auto Body, LLC operates out of Ross County's neighboring Vinton County, but now looks to expand into Ross County by way of a $2.2-million investment.
The family-owned McArthur-based operation provides truck and automotive care, and upgrades. Earlier this week, the company announced its plans to create a new production facility along Chillicothe’s Eastern Avenue.
When asked what are the qualities that have generated this growth, Dan Starr, Owner, said that “we have emphasized a high quality of service and value to customers, on-time delivery, integrity and constant focus on the employees who facilitated the growth.”
He also added that his faith in God and the resulting blessings have made this opportunity achievable.
The expansion looks to add around 150 high-paying jobs while also increasing production at the McArthur facility. JobsOhio is supporting the expansion with a $200-thousand economic development grant and the Greater Chillicothe & Ross County Development Department is stepping up to help the company with workforce training.
“We are excited to welcome Starr Auto Body to Ross County,” said Tammy Eallonardo of Greater Chillicothe & Ross County Development. “Their investment brings new jobs and new opportunities to our community.”
Industrial Reliability and Repair, LLC in Chillicothe also recently announced a $2.5-million expansion of its operations, bringing 20 new jobs to the area over the next three years.
Industrial Reliability and Repair, LLC was founded in 2004 and manufactures and provides products for plant maintenance, upgrades and shutdowns for large companies. The investment, accompanied by a $50-thousand JobsOhio grant, will focus on equipment fabrication for the large manufacturing facilities it serves such as Sherwin Williams, Pixelle, Valmet and Georgia Pacific.
“IRR is so excited for this opportunity to expand our capabilities to better serve our customers and more importantly, create job opportunities in Southern Ohio,” said Director of Finance McKenzie Gullion.
“IRR is very fortunate for the opportunity to partner with JobsOhio, OhioSE and the Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development. This partnership has allowed our operations to further extend our current services and to add additional services,” stated Director of Shared Services Matt Daniels.
Vinyl Kraft Acquisition, Scioto County’s largest manufacturing employer, located in the community of New Boston, has also announced an expansion of its operations with a $2.25-million investment.
Vinyl Kraft manufactures vinyl replacement doors and windows and will add new equipment to its New Boston operation that will double its production capabilities and add 73 new jobs over the next three years. The investment is accompanied by a $50-thousand JobsOhio workforce grant which will aid in the training or new Vinyl Kraft employees.
“We are very excited about the trajectory of our future,” said Ryan Rolfe, executive vice president of Vinyl Kraft Window and Door. “Being a labor intensive-manufacturer, our employees are truly what set us apart. Creating an environment to offer employment opportunities to restored citizens is transforming our business. As we continue to grow, we anticipate a lasting impact within our region.”