Shirley K’s, LLC, in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) and the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority, today announced it is investing $65,000 in its machinery and equipment to support growth into new markets.
Renée Coll and Rob Zachrich bought Shirley K’s in 2020. The business had been focused on manufacturing thermoformed plastic storage trays and organizational accessories for primarily used in educational and medical applications. The new owners, using their deep experience in the plastics industry, began working to diversify Shirley K’s products and customer base. The SK team has already expanded sales into the pet market. This investment in new machine controls and fixtures will enable the company to produce a variety of custom parts for industrial applications, such as safety shrouds and machine covers.
“Shirley K’s has always had a strong base of business in the storage and organizational sector. And the company has even greater growth potential in making custom industrial parts, which is roughly 80% of the thermoforming market in the U.S.,” said CEO Rob Zachrich. “We are confident we can grow the business and continue to serve customers all over North America from our Zanesville location.”
JobsOhio supported the project with a $25,000 JobsOhio Inclusion Grant and Ohio Southeast Economic Development and the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority assisted the company with the grant process.
“We are thrilled to work with OhioSE to solidify yet another JobsOhio Inclusion Grant in Zanesville for Shirley K’s, LLC, said Matt Abbott,” Executive Director of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority. “This investment in new equipment and machinery will continue to make Shirley K’s a leader in plastic thermoformed storage solutions.”
The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant exists to provide financial support for eligible projects in designated distressed communities and/or for businesses owned by underrepresented populations across the state. Eligibility requirements for the program can be found at jobsohio.com/why-ohio/inclusion-grant/.
“Shirley K’s is experiencing growth and we are glad to have partnered with the company on its expansion,” said OhioSE President Mike Jacoby. “The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant was a tremendous tool to leverage additional investment that will fuel new efficiencies and increase capacity for the company.”
Additional coverage:
- “Shirley K’s growing manufacturing operation in Muskingum County” – The Highland County Press, 03/04/2022
- “Shirley K’s Growing its Manufacturing Operation in Southeast Ohio” – Expansion Solutions Magazine, 03/09/2022
- “Muskingum County business receives grant to aid expansion” – Your Place Radio, 03/03/2022
