Manufacturing Honor Roll
ACS Industries Inc.
Joe Zeno
ACS Industries Inc.’s pathway to success includes looking for any activity that is underserved and overcharged. In 2008, the team focused on the hot slag industry as an underserved market. ACS sold its first slag bucket in 2009, and today is a leader in the field with more than 500 buckets in service throughout the world.
Daniel’s Amish Collection
Christopher J. Karman
Once known mainly in Ohio, Daniel’s Amish Collection is a national brand. A broader product selection and a push to go after high quality retailers have paid dividends. That decision also helped the workforce grow. In 2003, there were 12 craftsman employed. Today, that number has grown to approximately 150 workers.
Durajoint Concrete Accessories
Michael Diskin
Michael Diskin is proud to be a hands-on owner with many long-term employees. Durajoint Concrete Accessories has capabilities that include building special made-to-order plastic products for the construction industry. Since 2009, Durajoint has seen its sales steadily increase year over year.
Ohio Hickory Harvest
Brand Products Inc.
Darlene Swiatkowski and
Joseph Swiatkowski
An emphasis on quality, customer service and leading by example has brought success to the Swiatkowski family. Ohio Hickory Harvest Brand Products Inc. is a wholesale distributor of dried fruits, nuts, candies and snack mixes. In the fall of 2013, the company completed a 17,000-square-foot expansion that added warehouse and office space. The workforce has grown from 26 in 2009 to 60 in 2013.
OrDerv Foods
Keith A. Kropp
New products have been key to helping OrDerv Foods grow. Originally a sauerkraut balls manufacturer, Keith A. Kropp has continued to expand the company’s offerings, adding a significant new line in 2011 called Olivations. In 2013, there were 25 workers, expanding to a new building in 2014 will increase that to 35.
TEK USA Composites
Chris Willison
An economic downturn gave TEK USA Composites an opportunity to reinvent itself. The company targeted the energy sector, specifically oil and gas. Developing these complex products and components put TEK in a strong position with patented technologies. The state-of-the-art 60,000-square-foot facility has opened more possibilities for multiyear, multimillion-dollar programs.
Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.
John Najeway
Co-owner John Najeway says the craft brewery, which distributes its products in nine states, has outgrown its space. Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. now occupies 30,000 square feet, and Najeway sees the need for 45,000 to 60,000 square feet to keep up with demand. New fermenters will allow the brewery to boost capacity to 24,000 barrels a year, making it one of Ohio’s largest craft breweries.
Venture Products Inc.
Dallas Steiner and Randy Kitzmiller
Since 2009, Venture Products Inc. has more than doubled its employees, reaching 108 in 2013. The company manufactures Ventrac brand compact tractors and commercial grade attachments. Sales have increased 210 percent from 2009 to 2013, and export sales make up 22 percent of Venture Products’ total sales, providing the opportunity for growth and stability.
