Photo provided
In a file photo by American Heavy Plates Solutions, a worker supervises steel pieces coming out of the heater. The company announced plans Thursday to invest over $10 million expansion of Monroe County operations, including a finishing facility.

Staff reports

American Heavy Plates Solutions LLC announced a commitment Thursday to invest over $10 million to expand its operations in Monroe County, including a finishing facility.

The announcement for the project was made in collaboration with JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) and the Monroe County Port Authority.

Founded in 2017, American Heavy Plates Solutions supplies made to order heavy carbon and alloy steel plates and finished parts. It focuses on rapid production, processing and distribution of heavy plates and plate parts for everything from bridges to submarines. The proposed finishing facility will allow the company to increase production of current product offerings, as well as begin production of new products.

“American Heavy Plate Solutions’ continued growth at its Monroe County facility demonstrates the company’s confidence in Southeast Ohio’s manufacturing talent,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO. “This latest investment will bring cutting-edge machinery and equipment that will boost American Heavy Plate Solutions efficiencies and capacity as demand rises across sector lines for its high-quality steel plates.”

The machinery and equipment investment is estimated at $9.9 million with another $1 million needed for facility upgrades.

“American Heavy Plates is proud to have established a notable presence in Southeast Ohio in a very short period of time and is also excited to announce this new round of investments that will increase our capabilities and create new jobs in the area,” said Roxana Stoicea, American Heavy Plates CFO. “We are happy to offer jobs such as crane operators, flame cutting specialists, and electricians, just to name a few, to qualified individuals.

“In addition, we have created an apprenticeship program with on-the-job training for student-paid interns. Our hope is that by introducing them to a manufacturing environment and by offering them developmental opportunities within our company, some of them will become full time employees at AHP and will continue to contribute to the local community. We appreciate all the support we have received from local government organizations and look forward to this continued partnership,” Stoicea said.

The project was supported by a tax credit from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority and a JobsOhio grant. OhioSE helped the company through the process necessary to obtain assistance.

“We congratulate American Heavy Plates Solutions on the expansion of operations in Monroe County,” Katy Farber, OhioSE vice president, said. “This part of the OhioSE region has a strong presence in supplying the manufacturing industry with steel products and this growth keeps the company competitive while adding jobs and new investment.”

The Monroe County Port Authority, which owns the Hannibal Industrial Park, is also offering support for the project.

“We could not be more pleased to assist with the continued growth and success of American Heavy Plates Solutions,” Jason Hamman, Monroe County Port Authority Director, said. “We have developed a great working relationship with the company and truly appreciate their significant contribution to the local economy.”

The JobsOhio Economic Development Grant promotes economic development, business expansion and job creation by providing funding for eligible projects throughout the state. The ongoing partnership American Heavy Plates Solutions has with JobsOhio and OhioSE has helped nurture the company’s growth. In 2020, the company had 65 employees, it now has153.