CeramSource Bringing New Life, 45 Jobs to East Palestine Factories
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio – CeramFab and WYG Refractories, sister companies based here and owned by CeramSource Inc. of East Brunswick, N.J., today announced plans to create 45 jobs at two manufacturing sites that are being repaired and revitalized for production.
The companies make ceramic fiber materials and refractory brick for the steel, aluminum, foundry, appliance, HVAC and other industries.
The expansion results from the parent company’s strategic plan to onshore production of several high demand products, says Edwin Wang, president of CeramSource, a wholesale business that supplies refractory insulation materials to high temperature industries.
In 2018, a CeramSource affiliate, Yonggong LLC, paid $406,350 to buy the buildings at 900 E. Taggart St. (pictured at top), where CeramFab will set up shop.
The former manufacturing site at 193 N. James St. was purchased by Yonggong last May for $217,000; it will house WYG Refractories.
CeramFab was established in 2017; WYG in 2020.
“CeramFab/WYG Refractories are steadily moving forward with establishing two major manufacturing operations in East Palestine,” says Wang, also president of CeramFab/WYG Refractories.
At the Taggart Street building, production lines are being installed to manufacture ceramic fiber products. At the James Street site, mag-carbon bricks will be produced, he said.
Wang hopes to have both plants in full operation by the end of 2021.
CeramFab/WYG Refractories executives worked with an economic development team comprised of the Columbiana County Port Authority, Ohio Development Services Agency, JobsOhio and Team NEO.
“Our slogan has been ‘Come Grow with Us,’ and CeramFab/WYG Refractories’ expansion and job creation exemplify the kind of sustainable economic growth we welcome here in Columbiana County,” said Penny Traina, CEO and executive director of Columbiana County Port Authority. “We look forward to the company’s future endeavors as they continue to grow.”
The expansion announcement, released by Team NEO, did not specify how much CeramSource is investing in the projects. Nor did it itemize what financial assistance it is receiving through state and local government sources.
Team NEO subsequently told The Business Journal the project was awarded a $250,000 grant from JobsOhio related to the repair and repurposing of the buildings.
Pictured at top: The buildings at 900 E. Taggart St. in East Palestine.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
