The 4-1-1 on $411M local investment

HURON — A worldwide manufacturing company specializing in producing recycled material recently achieved a major milestone for its newest base at a local site. "Ardagh Group is pleased to announce it has recently completed the purchase of a facility in Huron, Ohio, that it will convert into a manufacturing plant producing infinitely recyclable beverage cans and ends," according to a company statement. This announcement circles back to December 2020, when Ardagh announced it would expand its operations into Ohio — and, more specifically, in Huron — by occupying space in the former International Automotive Components (IAC) building. It's in the city's Sawmill Parkway development. Then in April, JobsOhio, the state's private economic development corporation, revealed Ardagh would commit $411 million, through a capital improvement investment, to create this facility. Ardagh's investment represents a necessary amount to expand and update the building with proper infrastructure, equipment, utilities and other necessities. Diving into the details Jennifer Cumbee, a company spokeswoman, provided more responses when asked by the Register: • Location: "The Huron location was decided based on regional beverage can demand, distance to customer filling locations, access to suppliers, distribution efficiencies, etc. We are also excited to further build our employee base in Ohio, complementing our locations in Fremont and Whitehouse with talented, focused teams targeting customer quality and satisfaction." • Timeline: In Huron, "We are proceeding with construction and expect to begin beverage can and end deliveries to customers by the end of this year." • Investment: "The (Huron) investment is part of a $1.8 billion global capacity expansion program through 2024, increasing production output across our business to meet fast-growing demand as consumers increasingly recognize the environmental and quality advantages of beverage cans." Note: Earlier reporting indicated Ardgah wanted to invest $2.1 billion over this time frame. And, when asked about estimated figures for Ardagh's potential economic output in Huron, Cumbee referenced how the company does "not publicly discuss such specifics." • Size: "The (Huron) site consists of more than 340,000 square feet, and we will be using the majority of the space as well as adding on where necessary." • Jobs: "The new Ardagh Metal Packaging Huron plant will generate more than 200 jobs in the region." Through these 200 jobs, Ardagh previously acknowledged its annual payroll in Huron would equate to roughly $16 million. • Production: "The Ardagh Metal Packaging Huron plant will consist of three can production lines, together with ends capacity, and will produce beverage cans in multiple sizes for a variety of categories, including sparkling water, soft drinks, teas and alcohol beverages. Output from the Huron plant is secured by long-term customer agreements." • Profile: "Ardagh Group is a global supplier of infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging for the world's leading brands. Ardagh operates 56 metal and glass production facilities in 12 countries, employing more than 16,000 people with sales of $7 billion." Speaking up Several local officials expressed their excitement for the project: • Erie County Economic Development Corp. executive director Abbey Bemis: Ardagh's commitment demonstrates confidence in the trajectory of Erie County's $1.6 billion manufacturing economy and our region's resources and people. We are looking forward to the role Huron will play in Ardagh's continued success. • Huron city manager Matt Lasko: We are thrilled with Ardagh's decision to invest and set down roots in Huron. They have proven to be a tremendously successful company that is growing rapidly. There has been a renewed interest, from a development perspective, occurring in the region for the last few years, and Ardagh's decision to locate here is a prime example of that. • Team NEO CEO Bill Koehler: Ardagh recognizes that northeast Ohio offers a host of advantages and resources, including our talented workforce.