NEW WATERFORD, Ohio – The Hodge Companies forecast another year of growth as it embarks on a major expansion and the addition of new employees.

“Current work on the books for 2025 is in excess of $30 million,” says company representative Ashleigh Hodge.

In the coming months the company will be breaking ground on another high bay expansion, adding 57,000 square-feet, bringing its total manufacturing capacity to more than 180,000 square feet, she says. The expansion will also add eight overhead cranes for a total of 28, a high-definition plasma pipe profiler, and more.

Hodge is looking to hire between eight and 10 full-time employees, as well as increasing part-time positions as the company promotes opportunities for local students in modern manufacturing careers.

Last year, Hodge Companies’ sales volume increased by 20% compared to 2023, Hodge says, as the companies added nine new positions, bringing total full-time employment to 60. Moreover, Hodge Companies hired six part-time employees from local high schools and career centers.

Another undertaking in 2024 was a 57,000-square-foot expansion of Hodge’s manufacturing space. This new space enabled the addition of six overhead cranes, a robotics weld center, a high-definition robotics shape center, plate rolls, and a five-axis high-definition water burn table. Total capital outlay for 2024 was more than $4.5 million.

Hodge Companies began 30 years ago with Hodge Construction, a general contractor. In 2002, Hodge added Steelcon, which provides engineering and structural steel fabrications. A third company, Amron, was included in 2015 to provide nondestructive and destructive testing, while a fourth firm, FH Equip, was established in 2018 to provide transportation and trucking services.

Hodge Companies’ growth has also allowed it to give back to the community.

In August, Hodge hosted an open house and fundraising event. The event secured sponsorships from vendors such as Youngstown Oxygen, Graft Electric and Producers Supply. It raised $16,000 for The Brightside Project and $4,000 for Columbiana County’s Park District.