Webster Industries announces $8 million expansion

Equipment company says it expects to add 65 jobs over the next three years.

Webster Industries, a manufacturer of industrial conveyor chains and vibrating conveyers, has decided to invest $8.3 million to expand its manufacturing business in Tiffin, Ohio. The company says it chose to expand its headquarters in Tiffin, rather than Meridian, Mississippi, where Webster also has a location. A final decision on the expansion is contingent on the company finalizing state and local incentives.

The expansion project is expected to create 65 new jobs and retain all 294 existing employees at Webster’s Tiffin headquarters, the company says. A 38,000-square-foot expansion will be constructed adjacent to the company’s existing facility, the headquarters will be renovated and an additional $4.5 million investment into new machinery and equipment will be made.

Webster says the project is motivated by new global business opportunities, expected increases in targeted markets, new product offerings and continued improvement in service through vertical integration.

Andrew Felter, Webster Industries president and CEO, attributes the decision to strong growth opportunities, a committed and experienced workforce in Tiffin, an established localized supply chain and significant support from state and local government.

The Tiffin City Council will first review applications for a 50 percent, 10-year Enterprise Zone tax exemption and a 50 percent, five-year Municipal Income Tax Credit. The project also is expected to receive a JobsOhio Economic Development Grant and go before the Ohio Tax Credit Authority at the end of October for a potential Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit.

The company has facilities in Tiffin, Meridian and Portland, Oregon.