Roppe to get loan for expansion, renovation
COLUMBUS-State Sen. Karen Gillmor, R-Tiffin, announced the Ohio Department of Development has awarded Fostoria-based Roppe Corp., one of the largest suppliers of rubber wall-base flooring, a $1.3 million loan for renovations and expansion at its current facility and the purchase of new machinery and equipment. As a result of this project, Roppe is to create 33 jobs and retain more than 300 others. The money was approved Monday by the State Controlling Board.
"Roppe Corp., one of the last family-owned manufacturing companies in Fostoria, continues to invest in the latest technologies and innovations that allow it to meet the changing needs of the industry and its clients, and has led to the company's tremendous growth in recent years," Gillmor said. "This expansion project will bring new jobs to Fostoria and improve the company's operations. I applaud the efforts of all those involved to encourage Roppe to expand here in Ohio rather than at their Alabama plant."
Roppe is embarking on a $4.6 million project to renovate and expand its Fostoria facility and to acquire new machinery and equipment. The new equipment is to allow the company to automate many of its processes, improving safety, increasing efficiency and enhancing the quality of its products.
The Controlling Board also approved a $25,000 Rapid Outreach Grant to Roppe to be used for the purchase of equipment such as new molds, a mix room blender, a dust collector and line automation equipment. Roppe has committed to funding the balance of the equipment costs. Rapid Outreach Grants are used by the state to help attract and retain business opportunities in Ohio that will create new jobs by providing funds for or on- or off-site infrastructure improvements.
"Under the leadership of CEO Don Miller, Roppe has been a leading corporate citizen in Fostoria," Gillmor said. "The jobs this expansion project will create will be welcomed in Seneca County, which currently has a 12-percent unemployment rate."
Roppe Corp. was founded in 1955 and is one of the largest suppliers of rubber wall-base flooring, including a line of environmentally friendly products that are used in projects seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The company has 151 partnership locations in the U.S. and Canada and also sells its products in 32 other countries.
