Although its been a long time (1918) since Shelby was voted the biggest little city with the most industrial employees per capita in America, this town offers more than most its size.

"For an old industry town of 10,000, we also have a strong corporate support of community initiatives," says James R. Stoner, executive director of the Shelby Chamber of Commerce. "We are not a county seat, yet we provide the services available of a county seat such as a YMCA, excellent parks, and a world class performing arts series."

Industry innovation

A remarkable number of manufacturers call Shelby home. Miami Systems manufactures printed business forms. Cooper Enterprises, which just announced a $1.6 million expansion that will double its work force, manufactures wood and synthetic based materials.

American Tower Co. manufactures television towers, boat docks, and custom-cut steel tubing. Carton Service/Packaging Insights produces and distributes plain and printed cartons and displays.

The Shelby Welded Tube Division of Phillips Manufacturing & Tower, which recently added 20,000 square feet of warehousing space, makes steel tubing, metal fabrication, and television towers. MTD/Shelby Division is one of the largest manufacturers of lawn equipment in the world.

Shelby's Central Ohio Industrial Park is the site of 15 large industrial buildings with 2.5 million square feet under roof. The park is home to more than 20 companies, 1,100 employees, and generates 450 trucks daily to and from the facility.

"Shelby is 100 miles from Toledo, 70 miles from Columbus, and 70 miles from Cleveland," says Janet Keller, president of the Richland Economic Development Corporation.

Within the region are 70 common carriers, making Shelby the third-lowest cost location for distribution in Ohio.

Shelby also has a large number of insurance-related business people, which is the result of the town being home to Shelby Insurance. Recently, Policy Management Systems Corporation (PMSC) announced its decision to locate a regional office in Shelby. PMSC develops software for the insurance industry and will create 100 high-skill positions.

Center's mobile lab offers training

"The center even has a mobile computer lab which is taken on-site to corporations within the region," Stoner says.

Shelby is also 10 miles from the North Central Technical School. Corporations are also establishing relationships with other area universities. Copperweld, for example, is working with Ashland University to bring a branch campus to Shelby.

Incentives
Other incentives in Shelby include a 100 percent property tax abatement program for companies that create new jobs.

"This incentive is usually good for seven to 10 years," Stoner says. "In return, corporations are required to give a gift in kind to the local schools, a gift which is also tax deductible."

Shelby owns its own electric, water, and sewage services. This asset assures low utility costs in Shelby's new 53-acre, fully serviced industrial park which holds a 20,000 square foot spec building.

For manufacturers in search of warehousing or manufacturing space, a 64,750 square foot building originally designed for metal stamping and fabrication is available.

"The building offers 3,230 square feet of office space and three docks, including one inside 12-foot dock, and five drive-in doors," says Jim Rosser, president Voisard Manufacturing Inc. and owner of the building.

The building includes supports for two 30-ton cranes and is environmentally clean.

"A company can move right in and do any type of manufacturing," he says.