Fenner Dunlop Port Clinton Cuts Ribbon on New Expansion
Ceremony Celebrates “The 96” Solution”
Port Clinton, OH, Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - Fenner Dunlop Americas commemorated the completion of its $50 million manufacturing plant expansion with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, surrounded by Fenner Dunlop employees, customers, state and county dignitaries and suppliers. There was a lot to celebrate.
The Port Clinton facility now houses the biggest and most sophisticated rubber conveyor belt manufacturing equipment available today. The expanding needs of the aggregate and mining markets, in particular, justified Fenner Dunlop’s investment in increasing its production capacity, now making 96” wide rubber-ply fabric and steel cord conveyor belting.
"The equipment you see here is state-of-the-art, the best in the world," stated David Landgren, Executive Director of Fenner Dunlop Conveyor Belting Americas and Australia, during the ceremony. "We could have gone to China like some of our competitors. We could have bought copy equipment. But we've made a commitment to excellence."
Not only has Fenner Dunlop made a commitment to excellence, but also a commitment to its local communities and the American workforce.
"Our Board of Directors is investing in America," said David Hurd, president of Fenner Dunlop Americas. "It states a lot about the people of Port Clinton. The hard work starts here."
Furthering its investments in America, Fenner Dunlop’s new state-of-the-art, 300,000 square foot weaving facility, scheduled to open Fall 2008, will produce the fabric to manufacture the 96” fabric belt lines in Port Clinton, as well as supply finished and treated fabric to Fenner Dunlop’s other two heavy rubber belt manufacturing plants. The Toledo plant recently increased capacity by installing a double deck press for fabric belting.
Port Clinton’s “96” Solution” gained momentum in the community after groundbreaking in April 2007. Fenner Dunlop received support from Ottawa County, OH, and the Ohio Department of Development from beginning to end, encouraged by Fenner Dunlop’s plans to grow in Ohio.
“We continue to invest in America and the communities we operate in. The future of this country relies upon companies investing in our communities and Fenner Dunlop intends to play our part in this process,” Hurd stated. |