Arnco Expands Production at Ohio Facility

Enlarge Image Arnco is increasing production at its Ohio facility.

April 22, 2008 • South Gate, Calif.-based Arnco is expanding production capacity at its processing plant in Berea, Ohio, for the second time since opening the facility in 2005. The announcement was made by Larry Carapellotti, president, who said the company is increasing production to meet current and expected demand for its flatproofing and polyurethane systems businesses and to support a technology that is expected to become operational the second half of 2008.

“Patents have been applied for and field and independent laboratory testing have been successfully completed on this technology that will have a major impact on both tire dealers and equipment operators,” he said. “We expect current flatproofing technologies • including the practice of regrinding used fill • to decrease. Everyone at Arnco is excited about this technology and its resulting products, and we are making sure there is enough capacity available to meet the expected increase in demand.”

 

Carapellotti said the expansion would increase annual capacity by 50 million pounds (23,000 metric tons) based on a single shift production. In addition to the installation of new reactors, it includes additional bulk storage, bulk loading and off-loading capabilities.

 

“This second expansion in two years shows a further commitment to tire dealers that Arnco will do everything it can to meet the growing worldwide demand for flatproofing products that eliminate flats, extend the life of tires, reduce costly downtime and offer greater safety for the operator,” Carapellotti said. “It also reaffirms Arnco's commitment to manufacturing in the United States. Products from this facility in Ohio • which is an economically hard hit area • are shipped to numerous overseas customers, including those in China. We also are proud of the fact that all of this investment has been made without subsidies from any government sources.”

 

The Berea facility • a 112,000 square-foot structure on 14 acres of land • features state-of-the-art design and production technology. It has tank off-loading capabilities, several loading docks, a 33-foot high ceiling and plenty of room for expansion beyond the company's immediate needs.  The building is equipped with a 13,000 square-foot explosion-proof area to protect against flammable solvent materials, seven labs and spill containment throughout the facility.