GKN Sinter Metals plant in Ohio set for $10 million expansion
June 5, 2013
GKN Sinter Metals has announced plans for a $10 million expansion of its Gallipolis production facility in Ohio, USA. The expansion will include the installation of a new 750 metric-ton powder compaction press along with other capital equipment to launch production of differential gear components developed at the plant.
The project is expected to add 50 full time jobs and generate up to $20 million in additional sales for the company over the next two to three years, stated Matt Daniels, Manager of the plant in Gallipolis.
GKN Sinter Metals’ Gallipolis facility
The 175,000 ft2 facility currently has more than 160 employees and produces gears, clutch pressure plates and torque-converter components for a variety of customers, including Chrysler, General Motors, EXEDY, LuK USA and Allison Transmission. Production of the new components is expected to begin during the second half of 2013.
GKN Sinter Metals received tax credits and development grants valued at nearly $800,000 to assist with the Gallipolis project from various state and local agencies. The State of Ohio awarded GKN a Job Creation Tax Credit and an Economic Development Grant with a combi ned worth of $380,000.
The Southern Ohio Agricultural and Community Development Foundation (SOACDF) also provided the company with a $350,000 development grant. Local incentives included a City of Gallipolis Job Creation Tax Credit and a Gallia County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) Economic Development Grant with a total value of $60,000.
“The untiring support that we’ve received from the community and all levels of government has made this program possible,” stated Daniels. “We are eager to install this new equipment and to begin production based on the new technology that’s been developed here in Gallipolis.”
A press conference announcing the expansion was attended by local, county and state officials. “I am very excited that GKN chose the Gallipolis plant to expand their business,” said State Representative Ryan Smith. “We appreciate their commitment to the area and the fact they recognise that we have a good labour force in south eastern Ohio. We are continuing to improve the community every time we put another person to work and today there are 50 families that will directly benefit from this great news.”
