S&K plans $1.5M expansion

CELINA - A local metal-product manufacturer is pursuing a $1.5 million expansion project, a move that would create 14 new full-time and two part-time jobs and add $440,000 in payroll, according to county documents.

Mercer County Commissioners Greg Homan, Jerry Laffin and Rick Muhlenkamp on Tuesday morning unanimously approved an Ohio Enterprise Zone Agreement with S&K Products, granting the business a 10-year, 100-percent tax abatement on planned real property improvements, which are not to exceed $735,000.

Overall, S&K Products, owned by V.J. Westerheide, intends to construct a 20,000-square-foot building expansion to support its manufacturing operations at 4555 U.S. 127, Celina. This includes the installation of a new powder-coating facility, county documents state. The project represents an overall investment of no less than $1.5 million - $735,000 for the new building, $700,000 in machinery, $45,000 in inventory and $20,000 in improvements to the existing building.

"What a great local company. V.J. and the whole operation are nothing but top-notch," Mercer County Community Development Director Jared Ebbing said, adding the growth of existing businesses such as S&K keeps the area's economic engine going.

S&K Products plans to create the 14 full-time and two part-time jobs over three years as part of the expansion. Its current operation has 44 full-time and seven part-time workers, documents state.

The Celina City Schools Board of Education last month signed off on the tax abatement. S&K Products agreed to make a payment equal to 10 mills in place of the tax, which would have collected 37.9 mills or $6,300 per year.

S&K Products manufactures galvanized steel ware, including tubs, pans, pails, trash cans and funnels.