Today, in Columbus, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) awarded $125,000 to M&M Industries for the installation of a rail spur at its new Lordstown facility, at 1702 Henn Parkway.
Today, in Columbus, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) awarded $125,000 to M&M Industries for the installation of a rail spur at its new Lordstown facility, at 1702 Henn Parkway. This spur will enable Norfolk Southern to deliver rail cars of plastic pellets, a raw material used in the company’s manufacturing process.
M&M Industries recently announced its $37 million investment in real estate and machinery and equipment, which will result in the creation of 106 new jobs.
The U.S.-based plastics pail manufacturer was founded in 1986 by Glenn Morris, Sr., who began packaging over-the-counter remedies in 1963. M&M Industries’ products offer unique solutions to storing hazardous and non-hazardous solids and liquids. Today the company is owned and operated by Glenn Morris, son of Morris Sr., and currently employees hundreds of people at manufacturing plants in Chattanooga, TN and Phoenix, AZ.
“On behalf of each of us at M&M,” said Morris, “I can’t begin to describe our excitement and enthusiasm for working with the extraordinary people of Ohio, playing a role in the growth of Ohio and becoming a part of the community. We can’t wait to get started.”
Throughout the company’s due diligence process, the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber supported M&M Industries by coordinating local discussions and providing resources that aided in the company’s decision to locate in the Valley. Chamber COO & SVP of Economic Development Sarah Boyarko said, “We are extremely pleased to have worked with M&M throughout the attraction process. They are an impressive company, and their investment will help to diversify our local economy and strengthen our future.”
The ORDC, an independent commission within the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), represents the state in non-regulatory interactions with the railroad industry and funds safety improvements at railroad-highway grade crossings; supports rail-related economic development efforts; and coordinates railroad interactions with ODOT highway projects.
Matthew Dietrich, executive director of the ORDC, added, “This is an exciting project for the ORDC for multiple reasons. In partnership with TeamNEO and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, we are supporting private investment in a brownfield site in Ohio. Just a few years ago, the railroad was considering eliminating rail service on this line, so this type of investment not only helps M&M Industries but also helps to ensure continued rail service in the area for current and future businesses.”