Lisbon company plans expansion

By D.a. Wilkinson

SALEM — Columbus McKinnon Corp. on Monday announced it will be expanding over three years and adding approximately 90 jobs.

Part of the decision was based on the dedication of the local workers, according to company officials.

The international company will invest about $2 million in the property.

Ed Seiler, the director of operations improvement, said that the company has $37 million in assets and works world wide. It makes all the parts for all hoists that it sells.

The company, which includes the Ohio Hoist operations, has had a facility in Lisbon for decades that employs about 75 workers. The original facility in Lisbon dates to the late 1800s.

However, there is no room to expand operations there.

The new site is the former Sekely plant at 240 Pennsylvania Ave.

The move will employ about 72 workers with the rest being administrators and support staff.

J. Robert Burkey, the general manager of the program, said that the work ethic of the workers at Lisbon was a key in deciding to open the facility in Salem.

The starting pay is $18.19 an hour, and Berkey said that it’s likely that workers would be working some overtime.

Though some economic forecasts remain gloomy. Seiler said that Columbus McKinnon said, “We’re starting to see some recovery. We’re showing strength in sales.”

It will take several months to get the facility up and running, but the hiring should be done by the time start-up is ready.

Local officials were pleased.

Audrey Null, the executive director of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, said, “It’s a good day for Salem.”

wilkinson@vindy.com