Pallet Distributors, Inc., in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), and the Cambridge-Guernsey County Community Improvement Corporation, today announced a commitment to invest $5.9 million to expand the overall capacity of its plant in Byesville, creating 18 new jobs.
Founded in 1996 as Pallet Distributors, ePallet has grown and evolved into a multi-national business with an extensive production network including seven state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and over 600 preferred partners across North America. ePallet purchases standing timber, processes lumber through their own sawmills and cuts, shops, and manufactures both new and recycled wood pallets. They operate and control an unlimited production capacity and are strategically located to deliver anywhere in North America with a sole commitment to provide the highest level of customer service with honesty, integrity, reliability, and professionalism.
The company is headquartered in Lakewood with manufacturing locations in Sugarcreek, Holmesville, Middlefield, Walhonding, and Byesville. All of the facilities include a sawmill, scragg mill, reconditioned pallet yard, and new pallet manufacturing operations.
“Pallet Distributors’ decision to expand and add jobs to support the needs of an Ohio-based client is an example of how the state’s strong business climate is spurring growth and investment,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “To assist the company’s efforts to hire workers for a new production line, Pallet Distributors will utilize JobsOhio’s Talent Acquisition Services to support Pallet Distributors’ expansion.”
ePallet will manufacture pallets for major corporations such as Morton Salt, Perrigo, Old Castle, GOJO, American Standard, Archer Daniels Midland, Saint Gobain, Tarkett, and Scotts Miracle-Gro based out of Marysville. Scotts Miracle-Gro has increased its production requirements and as a result is investing in the Guernsey County operation by supporting the installation of a second line of automated machinery.
“Pallet Distributors Inc dba Epallet Inc is honored to be a part of the Byesville, Guernsey county community,” said Plant Manager, Ervin Byler. “We look forward to a long working relationship with the community, in creating well-paying jobs as well as benefits for our employees.”
The project was supported by a JobsOhio Grant, which promotes economic development, business expansion, and job creation by funding eligible projects. OhioSE helped the company through the process necessary to obtain assistance. The Guernsey County Ohio Means Jobs Incumbent Worker Training program will be used to upskill machine operators and train employees on the new equipment.
“We congratulate Pallet Distributors on its decision to invest in Guernsey County,” said OhioSE vice president, Katy Farber. “The company could have looked at purchasing pallets from an outside producer, but instead decided to make an investment and create new jobs in our region.”
The project also received support through the JobsOhio Talent Acquisition program, which helps identify a company’s talent challenges and builds sustainable talent recruitment strategies that support every stage of a candidate’s journey.
“We appreciate the support of Ohio Southeast and JobsOhio for the expansion project by Pallet Distributors, Inc.,” said Bill Arnett, Executive Director, Cambridge-Guernsey County CIC. “The company’s decision to grow in the Village of Byesville is a testament to strong local support for growth and a readily available workforce.”
“Manufacturing is the foundation of our community. It’s always energizing to work with great partners such as Pallet Distributors,” said Byesville Mayor, Jay Jackson. “They have made a substantial investment in the Byesville facility and we are looking forward to many years of success in the Byesville community.”
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.
