Roppe Gets State Loan for Ohio Expansion

Fostoria, OH, Nov. 4, 2009--Ohio State Sen. Karen Gillmor announced that the Ohio Department of Development has awarded Roppe Corp., one of the largest suppliers of rubber wall-base flooring, a $1.3 million loan for renovations and expansion at its current facility and the purchase of new machinery and equipment.

As a result of this project, Roppe is to create 33 jobs and retain more than 300 others. The money was approved Monday by the State Controlling Board.

"Roppe Corp., one of the last family-owned manufacturing companies in Fostoria, continues to invest in the latest technologies and innovations that allow it to meet the changing needs of the industry and its clients, and has led to the company's tremendous growth in recent years," Gillmor said.

"This expansion project will bring new jobs to Fostoria and improve the company's operations. I applaud the efforts of all those involved to encourage Roppe to expand here in Ohio rather than at their Alabama plant."

Roppe is embarking on a $4.6 million project to renovate and expand its Fostoria facility and to acquire new machinery and equipment. The new equipment is to allow the company to automate many of its processes, improving safety, increasing efficiency and enhancing the quality of its products.

The Controlling Board also approved a $25,000 Rapid Outreach Grant to Roppe to be used for the purchase of equipment such as new molds, a mix room blender, a dust collector and line automation equipment.