MAUMEE, Ohio -
A Maumee plant that was idled by Ford in 2007 is not only home to a new business, it's also expanding. Maumee Assembly and Stamping started with just a handful of employees in 2009, but today they are hiring.
It's a truly amazing turnaround for that plant. When Ford shuttered the plant, a lot of people wondered how the huge space would ever be filled. While it got off to a slow start, now they are adding shifts and workers at the plant.
Within the next year or so, the workforce could be more than double what it is today.
Allan George worked for Ford at the Maumee stamping plant for more than 30 years. Today he is back in the plant as the operations manager.
At first, he was one of only a handful of employees.
"I had my doubts along the way," he says. "2008 was a real struggle. For a long time, there were only six of us here making catalytic converters. We didn't grow for awhile, obviously, because of the slow economy, but, with Stan's finances and faith, we were able to do it."
Stan Chelbowski is one of the owners of Maumee Assembly Stamping. He expects the workforce to be close to 200 by the end of next year, and the old auto plant has expanded its product line.
"We're doing appliance work, making panels for washers and dryers. We are also making catalytic converters, exhaust pipes, mufflers," he says. "We are expanding."
On Monday, the director of Ohio's Department of Development visited the plant to help mark the next phase of job development.
"To me it is the American story to take something from the ashes and bring it back to life," Director Christiane Schmenk said.
It happened thanks, in part, to help from the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and its small business development center.
"They needed our help developing their business plan and the marketing plan and their accounting systems," says Bill Wersell. "We at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce saw the potential, and now we're proud to say that 85 people are working here."
The Chamber of Commerce works with businesses around the region, and all of their programs are free.
As for the help wanted at Maumee Assembly and Stamping, they're hiring skilled trades workers like millwrights, tool and die makers and electricians.
For more information, visit the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce at toledochamber.com. Visit Maumee Assembly and Stamping at mastamping.com.
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