Fireline Seeks Rezoning to Build 9th Plant Addition

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – City Council will consider rezoning several properties on the East Side to support Fireline Inc.’s expansion plans.

The legislation before council tonight would change the classification of the properties to Industrial Green. The properties, zoned “multi-family residential,” sit on the corner of Watt and Adams streets as does a lot on Elk Street. Other properties on Elk are zoned “institutional.”

Fireline plans to begin construction in April on a 26,000-square-foot addition — its ninth since 1990 — to its plant on Andrews Avenue. Over 15 years, it expects to add 75,000 square feet to its 90,000-square-foot building.

The company manufactures ceramic crucibles that hold molten super alloys used in producing components for mostly the aerospace industry. These ceramic vessels are able to withstand intense heat and the company has secured major international clients over the years.

The expansion will increase manufacturing capacity and provide space for three new casting conveyor centers and one kiln. The addition will also include a new training room for employees and additional room for the company’s maintenance department. Fireline expects to start operations in the new space by Oct. 1.

“When we purchased the land to support the expansion, some of the plots were still zoned residential so we’re just going back to clean that up,” said Mark Peters, director of engineering.

“They’re great partners. We’re happy to help them any way we can,” Mayor John McNally said.

The expansion is set for land Fireline already owns, Peters said. The goal is to complete the addition in six months so the company can move into the expansion by the fourth quarter.

The company has put in a request to buy three city-owned lots for temporary parking because the expansion project would disrupt current employee parking. “We need a place for [employees] to park temporarily while the expansion is being finished,” Peters said.

Fireline also is seeking a 10-year, 75% abatement on property taxes related to new construction for the project. The company, which has 101 employees, has worked closely with T. Sharon Woodberry, city director of economic and community development.

An incentive package that includes the tax abatement will be presented to City Council, Woodberry said.

“We’ve been very pleased with the support that’s been provided by the city,” Peters said.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.