McKee Materials, in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), and the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority (SeOPA), announced an investment of over $980,000 in Washington County, Ohio.
With deep family roots in the paving industry, McKee Paving & Sealing was founded in 2013; further expansion into mining of raw materials and operation of hot-mix asphalt plants, McKee Materials, followed in 2016. Mckee is a veteran-owned company that currently has two locations in Athens and Jackson counties and is adding an asphalt production plant in Washington County.
“When looking to expand our operations, the Marietta area made logical sense,” said Jerry McKee, President of McKee Materials. “Our sister company, Mckee Paving & Sealing, has been performing work in the area for several years. The opportunities and development led by the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority and OhioSE in the years to come will allow us to expand our operations for materials and installation.”
The addition of the new production plant will allow the company to expand into West Virginia and create five new jobs.
“We are excited to welcome McKee Materials to Washington County,” said Jesse Roush, Executive Director of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority. “Not only will their investment create jobs and increase our tax base, but McKee’s entry into the local market will increase efficiency and reduce expenses for their customers. This project is a true win-win.”
This investment is supported by a $50,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant. The JobsOhio Small Business Grant provides grants to support the growth of small businesses that face unique challenges because they are either located in a qualifying zip code or are owned by an eligible population, which includes minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities. To qualify the company must have an eligible project and meet business size and industry requirements. “The JobsOhio Small Business Grant has played a major role in helping us assist companies in our region grow and increase its workforce,” said Katy Farber, interim president for OhioSE. “This project is another example of how valuable the program is in Ohio Southeast.”
Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.
