Industrial complex sees a rebirth

COLUMBIANA — Jerry Stoneburner is old enough to retire but his keen business sense won’t let him.

At age 71, he’s directing the revival a large industrial complex here that sat vacant for two years after National Refractories and Minerals Corp. closed in 2002.

“I get bored when I’m not doing something,” Stoneburner said.

His passion for action led to the restoration of what was becoming an eyesore on Esterly Road.

The NRM plant is quite noticeable from state Route 11, rising up five stories above the surrounding cornfields. A separate office building had fallen into disrepair before Stoneburner stepped in.

Started as Kaiser Refractories in 1956, the plant had employed 200 in recent years making bricks for steel mills and coke ovens.

Since taking it over in 2004, Stoneburner, his son, Lee, and his wife, Carolyn, are close to matching that level of employment.

The Stoneburners are leading a waste brokering company, trucking firm and aluminum extruder that employ 140, with plans to add at least 40 more at the extrusion business. They also are renting space to 11 other companies that employ 20.

Read more about Stoneburner in Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com