Black Tip LLC, which specializes in fluid handling components, cable management and contract injection molding, has announced plans to grow its business, 1150 Taylor St. in Elyria, with the addition of 40 new positions, according to a news release.
To support those efforts, the company has received a $100,000 JobsOhio Workforce grant, the release said.
Black Tip, which consists of Bee Valve, CableTek, Pioneer Products and Plastic Enterprises, was formed in late 2022 through a new ownership group.
Since that time, the company has experienced significant growth, resulting in plans to consolidate two current locations into one campus-type facility, according to the release.
This will provide efficiencies and position the business for future growth, the release said.
Had it not been for the assistance across local and state partners, it would have been difficult for the company to remain stateside, according to the release.
“The goal was always to stay in the states, but it’s often more economically viable to go offshore,” said Hallie Stewart, CEO of Black Tip in the release. “We were previously exploring other options, but with the support we received from Lorain County Community Development, connecting us to MAGNET and Team NEO, and engaging the city of Elyria, we ultimately received a workforce grant from JobsOhio.
“We’re planting our roots firmly in Lorain County. Continued support will only further our confidence that this is the place to grow our business.”
To assist in facilitating Black Tip’s expansion needs and ensure it maintained operations in Northeast Ohio, specifically Elyria and Lorain County, a team consisting of Lorain County Community Development Department, city of Elyria, OhioMeansJobs, JobsOhio and Team NEO partnered with Black Tip, the release said.
Through this collaboration, they were able to secure the JobsOhio Workforce grant and develop new operational partnerships, according to the release.
“Along with our local partners and JobsOhio, we are delighted to support Black Tip’s growth plans, meaning new jobs and additional revenue for the region and state,” said Team NEO Chief Executive Officer Bill Koehler in the release. “With our legacy in manufacturing and innovation, and our
dedicated talent pool, we are confident the company will continue to grow and thrive in Northeast Ohio.”
To support Black Tip’s growth, the company has renovation plans for its existing facilities in Elyria set to kick off in 2024, the release said.
Lorain County Commissioner Dave Moore said in the release he was inspired by the project’s local and economic impact.
“Our companies know we have their backs to retain and help them grow, or we’ll find a way or make one,” Moore said. “Working with our community partners, we orchestrated real support for Black Tip, boosting manufacturing in Lorain County, and keeping a company in the U.S. — a win-win for everyone.”
Elyria Mayor Kevin Brubaker applauded the collaborative efforts of the groups.
“We are thrilled Black Tip is expanding their operations and creating these additional jobs for the city of Elyria,” Brubaker said in the release. “I’m proud of the collaborative efforts that took place to make this happen.
“I want to congratulate Black Tip, we will continue doing everything we can to support them, and the entire Elyria business community.”
Black Tip also was introduced to MAGNET, and has partnered with the nonprofit consulting group to optimize material and process flows to increase efficiencies, capacity and productivity, according to the release.
Bass Khoury, director of operations excellence at MAGNET, highlighted the “lean ops” project they have been working on with Black Tip.
“MAGNET had the pleasure of working with the team at Black Tip to streamline their manufacturing footprint,” Khoury said in the release. “It’s been exciting to help them achieve measurable and successful results.”
