Politics & Government
Recycling Equipment Firm Doppstadt US Plans to Expand in Avon
Company mum on whether expansion will be all-new construction or an existing building somewhere in town
German-based company Doppstadt US has had operations in Avon for six of the last eight years. And signs point toward the company not only staying, but putting down roots and growing.
The company, which manufactures volume reduction equipment and parts for recycling firms, plans to add nearly two dozen new jobs to Avon’s economy as part of a $2.6 million growth plan.
A part of that expansion is said to include a new Avon headquarters, according to one Doppstadt official.
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“Some of this is a little time-sensitive, in the sense that we are looking at both new and existing construction for an expansion,” said Doppstadt co-owner, general manager and operations director Shane Donnelly.
“We have a good feel for the business community here in Avon, we all live on the west side (of Cleveland) and we’re a growing company that enjoys our compact with the city,” he added.
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“That part (staying in Avon) is very straightforward. I’m leery to say anything about exactly how we’ll expand. At least for the time being, anyway. When there’s more to say, we will share that information.”
Donnelly added that he “didn’t want to over-report during this sensitive time in the process,” that Doppstadt’s buy-or-build decision supports their “staying and growing” philosophy and that the need for “manufacturing space to go with office space is critical to meet our needs.”
Lorain County commissioners recently approved a $500,000 loan application for a state program on Doppstadt’s behalf, but there is no indication of how big the new or new-to-them facility will be, where it will be, or what if any incentives the city will leverage for the business.
Doppstadt US was recently the focus of a proposed enterprise zone agreement for construction. The matter was supposed to be discussed in a public hearing at a work session of Avon City Council on Aug. 1, with a vote at the Aug. 8 meeting.
But since the agreement hinges on whether the company will build new construction or add onto an existing building, plans to vote on the ordinance probably will be taken off the table at Monday's meeting.