AKRON, Ohio — During Governor Mike DeWine's COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday, he announced some very good news involving a Northeast Ohio-based company.
To help keep up with the demand for Purell hand sanitizer, soap, wipes, and surface spray, Akron-based GOJO is expanding with two additional facilities in Northeast Ohio. The company purchased a 325,000-square-foot facility in Maple Heights to manufacture Purell Surface Spray. GOJO has also signed a lease agreement for a facility in Navarre, which will be used for storage and distribution.
These two new facilities bring the company’s Ohio manufacturing facilities to four, including those in Cuyahoga Falls and Wooster. GOJO headquarters is in Akron, Ohio, and the company also has several manufacturing facilities in France. GOJO is expecting to add at least 200 jobs with the two additional facilities to go with their 2,500 team members around the globe.
“GOJO is an Ohio-grown company whose products, including its PURELL® products are helping us combat the pandemic,” said Gov. DeWine in a statement. “These new investments demonstrate the confidence GOJO has in Ohio’s talent, which is hard at work producing and distributing critical PURELL® products used worldwide.”
JobsOhio plans to provide assistance for the project, which will be made public after a final agreement is executed.
Local leaders were elated at the news as well.
“Cuyahoga County has a long history of manufacturing,” said County Councilman and Economic Development Chair Jack Schron. “Part of our strategy in strengthening our local economy is to focus on our strengths and GOJO fits right into our sweet spot. I am thrilled that GOJO is locating their plant, which will be producing their newest surface spray product, right here in Cuyahoga County. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with this global leader in skincare and surface solutions.”
“We are thrilled that one of the most essential companies in our region is expanding their manufacturing capabilities in Maple Heights,” added Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell. “GOJO is a growing business that makes products that matter, with deep roots in Northeast Ohio. Its selection of Maple Heights to expand operations is a testament to the resources and local advantages provided by our city and the region.”
You can watch Gov. DeWine's briefing in the player below:
