Portraits of company founders hang proudly in board rooms and reception areas. Company histories written for annual reports and for milestone anniversaries are often fascinating, complex, and filled with stories of ups and downs and amazing personalities. Sections of buildings (sometimes attached to gleaming new additions) are often referred to as “the old part” or “the original part” of a manufacturing facility. These walls breathe history, entrepreneurial spirit and respect.
Some long-time manufacturing companies are amazing multigeneration family affairs. Owners can boast of three or four generations involved in the business, as well as extended family members. In some cases, children of the youngest generation, maybe even too young walk, are being looked at as extenders of the legacy.
Lorain County can boast of a number of decades-old manufacturing companies whose roots run deep in the region. The manufacturer may not be making the same products or parts as those created at the time of its founding or using the same methods of production. But over the years, these successful companies have adapted and conquered unique challenges in a changing world.
Successful heritage manufacturers have played a significant role in Lorain County’s economic development and stability. These companies create and sustain jobs, advocate for improved municipal infrastructures and progress, and support local schools, community events and nonprofits.
“There are advantages of having long-time companies in a community,” says Anthony (Tony) Gallo, president/CEO, Lorain County Chamber of Commerce. “These companies invest here over several generations and will continue to invest. Some have employees from several generations of the same family, and that’s key.”
The reputation of these companies and their name recognition has contributed not just to the region, but to Ohio and the nation. How important is manufacturing to the state? Consider these stats from the 2024 Manufacturing Counts economic impact report from the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association:
*Manufacturing is responsible for 17.5% of Ohio’s (private industry) Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
*As of 2023, Ohio’s manufacturing GDP was $133,16 million, making it fourth in the country, only behind California, Texas and Illinois. (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis)
*Ohio manufacturing has an annual payroll of $48 billion, the highest total wages of any Ohio industry sector.
*The average annual earnings of Ohio workers on manufacturing payrolls in 2022 was $70,000, with an hourly wage as of 2023 of $31.38.
Decades of support by local governments, vibrant business organizations, community leaders and educational institutions has been a huge reason Lorain County can count on an impressive number of seasoned manufacturers calling the region their home. It’s also a strong reason new businesses are attracted to the area. Here’s just one example:
In many ways, Swiss machining is helping to revolutionize manufacturing as we know it. It’s not a new technology — its roots can be traced to the mid-19th century and a Swiss watchmaker named Jakob Schweizer. Basically, he invented a unique method to machine small parts more effectively.
Today, advanced Swiss machining is being embraced to create intricate components for the medical, automotive, consumer electronics and aerospace/defense industries. The practice helps meet the engineering needs of today and tomorrow. And it’s happening in Lorain County, often led by heritage manufacturers.
One example is General Plug and Manufacturing Co., founded in 1955 and a longtime manufacturer in Oberlin. The company primarily makes pipe plugs, reducer bushings and special screw machine parts for several industries. It is capable of altering or adapting parts to meet a client’s specifications. Recently, when General Plug needed additional employees trained and skilled in their unique needs, they approached Lorain County Community College (LCCC).
“Initially, we didn’t have a course that met their exact needs,” says Cindy Kushner, LCCC’s director for School, Workforce, and Community Partnerships. “So, we rolled up our sleeves and worked with this manufacturer to develop it.” We had our first students graduate from this program in December 2024.”
Gallo points to “the unique symbiotic relationships” between industry, government entities, private sector businesses and organizations, State of Ohio, Lorain County and educational institutions as another reason companies celebrate many anniversaries in the region.
“We work in cooperation with each other. Everyone hangs up their ego at the door,” says Gallo, who tips his hat to several long time Lorain County institutions.
EMC Precision
EMC Precision in Elyria has hit the century mark. Founded in 1925 as Elyria Manufacturing Corporation, the fourth-generation family business celebrates 100 years of elite precision machining in 2025. Now leading the company as president and CEO, Jeff Ohlemacher has been with the business 51 years, more than half of its existence.
“That’s pretty exciting — and rare,” observes Luke Wright, vice president, plant manager, who has been with the company since 1996, also not an insignificant accomplishment.
EMC’s facilities on Northup Street consisted of three buildings when Wright arrived, plus a plant in North Ridgeville. A consolidation closed the latter location in 2006. However, about 15 years ago, an additional operation in Sheridan, Indiana, opened.
Today the manufacturer provides precision machine parts for a variety of applications in the aerospace, automotive, appliance, medical, marine, heavy vehicle, recreation, agriculture, pneumatic and hydraulic and fluid power industries.
“Manufacturing is a very important job, from making hydraulics on a tractor down to putting glue on your cereal box. During Covid, we were an essential company and stayed open. We turned out parts for things like ventilators and we turned them out very quickly,” says Wright.
The long history of the company and its economic and community contributions to the region is not lost on employees. That involvement, especially with educational institutions, continues into the future.
“Jeff’s family is originally from here and his dad was well known in the community,” says Wright. “They all mostly stayed here, serving on school boards, joining civic organizations, being active and a big part of Elyria.”
Last year, EMC completed a $1.5 million expansion and major renovation project at its Elyria plant that has about 50 employees. New locker rooms and restrooms were built, offices were upgraded and a former training center was converted to an employee-friendly multi-purpose room with a kitchen and commons area. But changes to the plant aren’t all cosmetic.
“When I started here, there were a lot of mechanical machines. Now all of our equipment is CNC (computer numerical control) machinery,” says Wright, one of three brothers who attended Lorain County Joint Vocational School (LCJVS) and who earned his journeyman tool and die maker certification there. “It’s a big shift and a major difference, needed as the global market opened up for us.”
Wright is also adamant about EMC’s focus on servant leadership. It’s become “a journey for the past three years” that has allowed the entire company to embrace its core values. This leadership style shares power and emphasizes the development of employees.
“When we first started our servant leadership movement, there were several people here that were hesitant and unsure,” recalls Wright. “But now they say it is one of the best things that has happened to them.”
Thogus Products Company
The industrial world knows Thogus Products Company, headquartered in Avon Lake, primarily as a custom plastic injection molder and contract manufacturer. But it’s not just plastic the company is thinking about in 2025. It’s also diamonds. Founded in 1950, Thogus is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. And, at least symbolically and traditionally, a 75-year celebration is represented by diamonds.
The company supplies products for many markets, including health care and medical, automotive, plumbing, electronics, consumer products and industrial. Its huge range of products includes such diverse products as automotive knobs and switches, football helmets, small appliances and medical implants. But the sparkle of Thogus comes not only from products, but from its mission and goals.
“We are a third-generation family business now,” says CEO Matt Hlavin, grandson of the company’s founder Jack Thompson. “The second generation ran the business a shorter period of time. The vision wasn’t really to change or evolve. When I took over as president in 2008, I wanted the business to do more than just make parts for customers and be a supplier. I really wanted us to thrive in engineering and provide critical customer support.
“Now we help our customers with design, material selection and better manufacturing progress and we use our network to help expand their business,” he adds.
In the late 1970s, Thogus moved its operation to what was then a brand-new industrial area, Pin Oak Parkway in Avon Lake. The company was the first tenant. The advantages were strong: expansion possibilities, accessibility to a workforce and a lower cost of business ownership in Lorain County.
“We have immersed ourselves in this business community,” says Hlavin. “And part of that is becoming involved with K-12 educational programs associated with the schools around us.”
According to Erin Schneider, the company’s director of human resources, that connection includes participating in career fairs, job shadowing, parent open houses, internships and apprenticeships. Thogus’s top executives have also served on LCCC and LCJVS advisory boards “to help shape curriculum to better match needs of employers.”
Thogus has also built successful career paths for existing and new employees, investing in training, factory automation for safety and manufacturing efficiencies, continuous improvement and emerging technology so employees know it is “not just a job,” says Hlavin, proud that 37 out of the company’s 85 employees have been there for 10 years or more, with 41 years being the longest tenure.
“Our brand means something in the community, and we feel a part of it,” says Schneider, a member of the founding family. “We care about our employees and their families. We’ve built many strong partnerships and relationships, personal and professional.”
Hlavin insists Thogus is not about to abandon a region that has meant so much to the family business — as long as local and county governments and community leaders continue to show their support and loyalty. More good news — in January Thogus received the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award.
