MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio — When it comes to essential workers, helping the rest of us get essential things, GOJO takes the cake.
It makes all things Purell and its production has more than doubled since the pandemic was declared.
This company is not slowing down anytime soon. They just announced plans to open two new Ohio facilities, one in Navarre and another in Maple Heights.
"We’re excited, exuberant, shock, still in a little bit of disbelief,” said Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell.
When the Maple Heights and Navarre locations are finished, GOJO’s will have four manufacturing facilities in Ohio, not including the company headquarters in Akron.
"It’s a small-town feel, it’s easy to live here, it’s affordable,” said Blackwell. "I knew it was our way out and I believed that someone would see all the things that I see.”
Back in 2016, Maple Heights declared a fiscal emergency with $2.79 million dollars in debt.
They’ve since achieved some economic recovery and Blackwell says the GOJO deals should ensure they never go back there.
"We are here, we rolled up our sleeves,” said the mayor. “Resiliency and faith are important because sometimes things just work out even for the things that seem the most difficult.”
The new GOJO facility will be housed on Lee Road in Maple Heights. Blackwell says the company is focused on making sure they hire locally for at least 100 positions.
The facility boasts 325,000 square feet and according to Blackwell, GOJO plans to invest $25 million into building improvements.
"Thank you so much for believing in Maple Heights, investing in Maple Heights, choosing Maple Heights, and we’re going to rock and roll together,” she said.
RELATED: GOJO expanding to 2 new facilities, bringing 200 new jobs to Northeast Ohio
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