Sandusky, OH – TheMack Iron Works Company, a Sandusky-based metal fabrication company located at 124 Warren Street, intends to add a new manufacturing process to support its current operations. This development will retain 29 existing jobs and create three new positions within the company, with a total capital investment for the project estimated at $300,000.
“As our organization continues through its 2nd century of operation and the world enters Industry 4.0, it is important for us to take advantage of advances in automation and fabrication technology to remain the preferred supplier of our customers around the world. Partnering with the Erie County Economic Development Corporation, JobsOhio and Team NEO helped provide the resources required to accomplish that objective,” said Peter Kowalski, Jr., P.E., President of The Mack Iron Works Company, “Being a part of the ODOT development program that improves access to our facility and enhances our local infrastructure is truly a win-win and allows us to continue to be a contributing member of the Sandusky community which is another important organizational objective.”
The expansion qualifies for two economic development incentive programs, the State of Ohio’s Department of Transportation (ODOT)’s Jobs and Commerce Economic Development Program and the JobsOhio Small Business Grant.
ODOT’s Jobs and Commerce Economic Development Program provides funding for transportation projects that promote job creation, job retention, and private sector investment. Through this program, the City of Sandusky is eligible to receive 49% of construction costs up to a maximum of $50,000 for infrastructure improvements.
The Sandusky City Commission approved legislation Tuesday, May 28th, permitting the City Manager, John Orzech, to accept the grant funds and enter into an agreement with ODOT’s Office of Jobs & Commerce. Construction is expected to take place between July and December 2025.
“Projects like the Mack Iron Works expansion are crucial for maintaining the economic vitality of Sandusky. This project is a prime example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can lead to significant community benefits,” John Orzech, Sandusky City Manager.
The JobsOhio Small Business Grant provides additional financial support for qualified projects in designated communities and/or for businesses owned by eligible populations across the state. The $25,000 that Mack Iron can receive will support the creation and retention of company jobs. A team consisting of the Erie County Economic Development Corp. as part of the Greater Sandusky Partnership, JobsOhio and Team NEO worked together to ensure the project moved forward.
“Granting support to small businesses is important as each grant is not just a monetary contribution, it’s a commitment to fostering local innovation and resilience,” said Erika Roitblat, Manager, Project Management and Site Strategies for Team NEO. “Along with our partners at the Greater Sandusky Partnership and JobsOhio, we look forward to continued collaboration to bolster The Mack Iron Works Company’s continued growth and success.”
“This project exemplifies the collaborative efforts between the Mack Iron Company, the City of Sandusky, state agencies and our economic development teams to foster growth,” Nico Samaniego, Director of Economic Development for Greater Sandusky Partnership.
