A ceramic refractory company plans to revitalize a historic Middletown facility, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Middletown: A ceramic refractory company is gearing up to breathe new life into the old Armco/AK Research Building. They’re planning to consolidate a few of their local plants into this historic site.
The building, which has been around since 1937, is set for an $18 million makeover. E.I. Ceramics will be moving in, and they’re excited about the potential this place holds for their operations.
By bringing everything under one roof, E.I. Ceramics aims to streamline their work. They’ll be combining their operations from Sharonville and Fairfield right here in Middletown.
On Friday, there’s going to be a groundbreaking ceremony with city leaders and contractors. It’s a big deal for the community, marking the start of this renovation project.
This building has a rich history tied to the steel industry, especially with the founding of the American Rolling Mill Company back in 1899. It played a vital role in the local economy.
After being vacant since 2018 and facing some tough times with vandalism, the city bought the property in 2021. Now, they’re ready to transform it into a manufacturing site for E.I. Ceramics, focusing on flow control products for the steel industry.
In 2023, E.I. Ceramics reached out to the city about purchasing the 9.5-acre property. They’re looking to bring around 70 jobs to the area, which is fantastic news for Middletown.
The city sold the property for $225,000, the same amount they paid for it. E.I. Ceramics is also investing millions to get the site ready for their needs, which is a huge boost for the local economy.
Once they’re fully operational, the company’s payroll is expected to exceed $4 million annually. That’s a significant contribution to the community.
Last summer, the city council approved a job incentive grant for E.I. Ceramics. This will help them out for four years, returning 50% of the collected income taxes back to the company.
Additionally, the site received $3.1 million from the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program to help with the redevelopment. It’s all coming together nicely!
The Curtis Street facility has seen some changes over the years, including a major remodel in 1961 that doubled its size. It’s exciting to see it getting another chance to shine.
