Today, 100% Made in America Bully Tools, Inc. (Bully Tools), in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) and the Jefferson County Port Authority, announced plans for a $6.7 million investment that will bring new jobs and a 60,000 square foot expansion in Steubenville to meet increasing customer demand.
According to Bully Tools President and Founder Mark Gracy, the company has experienced a sales increase of 20% this year for its lawn and garden, farm, snow removal, home and other specialty long handle tools. “The company has experienced consistent double digit sales growth averaging 14.5 percent over the past nine years as a result of our commitment to manufacture quality American Made products sold online and through a network of national retailers including The Home Depot, True Value, and Amazon, to name a few,” said Gracy.
Bully Tools sales growth coincides with its reputation for quality product design and manufacture. In 2018, the product review website The Wirecutter owned by the New York Times selected the Bully Tools 82515 as the best all-purpose garden shovel you can buy.
“I am excited and proud to announce that through the close working relationship with Ohio Southeast Economic Development and JobsOhio, the planned 60,000 square-feet expansion to the current facility will soon come to fruition,” said Gracy. “Most importantly, this enables Bully Tools to maintain and keep its full operation in Ohio where we are proud to be celebrating our 25th year in operation.”
Mr. Gracy said, “I feel we have new partners at the local level as well as in Columbus that are serious about retaining and expanding Ohio manufacturing jobs! Their cooperation, help and expertise has been a blessing and a true sign of concern and enthusiasm for the future development of Jefferson County and its citizens. No doubt, this will help Bully Tools to grow for years to come.”
“At Bully Tools, Made in America means more than just a stamp, it is an assurance of quality and good jobs in our region,” said Mike Jacoby, President of OhioSE. “We are appreciative of Bully Tools’ commitment to the region, and we’re proud to have provided assistance.”
“Jefferson County is honored to work with Bully Tools on its plans to expand and create 30 new jobs here. The same technology that propelled Bully Tools to an industry leading position as a manufacturer of quality tools is now being utilized to fuel the company’s growth and expansion,” said Robert Naylor, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Port Authority. “With the support of JobsOhio, I am happy to announce Jefferson County, Island Creek Township, and the Edison Local School District approved a tax abatement for the Bully Tools expansion project which will result in job creation in our area.”
