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Ohio Star Forge Plans $10M Expansion
"By Dan O'BrienCHAMPION, Ohio -- A steel company that sits on property once occupied by one of the Mahoning Valley's largest manufacturers intends to spend between $10 million and $13.2 million to revamp its operations.Mark Zigmont, a planner for the Trumbull County Planning Commission, said today that Ohio Star Forge is planning renovations to its plant and expects to add to its work force. The company has applied for tax abatements of 60% over 10 years on these investments, Zigmont reported. Ohio Star Forge has pledged to spend between $850,000 and $1 million on new construction, $560,000 and $690,000 to improve its facility, and between $7.7 million and $9.4 million on new machinery and equipment. Additional expenditures include $55,000 to $65,000 on new fixtures and $1.6 million to $2 million on new inventory, Zigmont said."They plan to hire 11 to 14 workers within one year after the project is completed," Zigmont said. Ohio Star Forge, he noted, employs 67 or so people.Champion Township trustees consider approving the tax incentives Dec. 15. Trumbull County commissioners must also approve the abatements and will consider the measure at their meeting Jan. 6.According to the company's Web site, Ohio Star Forge is an independent subsidiary of Japanese steel maker Daido Steel and produces more than 14,000 tons of steel forgings annually for the automotive and fastener industry. The company has increased shipments to customers by an average of 97% each year, the Web site reported.Ohio Star Forge processes hot-rolled steel bar through induction heaters, warming the steel to the appropriate temperature needed to form the part. Then, the steel is formed and punched into shape.The company is on land near the former CSC Ltd., which shut its doors in 2001. Since then, there has been interest in transforming the idled mill and surrounding property into an industrial park.Contact Dan O'Brien at [email protected]"