Youngstown to prepare site for new Exal Corp. plant

staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The city will start preparing the site for a new Exal Corp. plant even though the can maker said the project has been put on hold because of the economy.

“We want to be ready when the company is ready,” said David Bozanich, Youngstown finance director.

The Ohio Department of Development announced this week that it approved $4.9 million in funding for preparing the site in the Salt Springs Road Industrial Park. Bozanich said the city will have to pay between $1.5 million and $2 million more.

The cost includes buying the 68 acres from LaFarge North America, which has been removing slag from the site. Also included are installing roads and water and sewer lines.

Brenda Oman, Exal’s vice president of finance and administration, said plant construction has been delayed until the company sees signs that the economy is improving. Sales have been “a little slow” lately, she said.

“We don’t have anyone laid off, but we’re a little uncomfortable,” she said.

Exal has expanded its current plant in Performance Place Industrial Park off Poland Avenue but is out of room. It employs 385 hourly and salaried employees.

The new plant is to employ about 300, although that number will be phased in over time, Oman said.

Exal makes aluminum beer bottles for Budweiser, as well as containers for popular products such as Axe body spray.