Ameriwood expanding, adding 87 jobs

The parent company of Ameriwood has announced it will invest $3.27 million for machinery and equipment and hire an additional 87 employees over the next four years. "We are excited to announce that we will be expanding in our facility in Tiffin," Norman Braunstein, president and CEO for Dorel Home, said in a company news release. "Tiffin has been an important partner in Dorel's business model and will continue to rely on it as the company grows." The company release said Dorel's investment includes $2.57 million in new machinery and equipment and $700,000 in updates to the facility. The company employs 218 people in Seneca County making ready-to-assemble furniture for consumers. In the release, Dorel Home, a segment of Dorel Industries Inc., said final approval for the project is contingent upon the receipt of state and local incentives. A release from Gov. Mike DeWine's office reports the company has been approved for a 1.103%, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit, Training Grant and Economic Development Grant through JobsOhio for the project. The release said Dorel Home Furnishings Inc., of Tiffin, expects to create 87 full-time positions, generating $2.9 million in new annual payroll and retaining $7.3 million in existing payroll as a result of the company's expansion project. Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership and Regional Growth Partnership in Northwest Ohio worked with the company and consultant MarksNelson on the project. Local incentives include the city of Tiffin's New Jobs Program, and OhioMeansJobs-Seneca County is offering up to $387,000 in potential workforce development grants. The incentives are contingent upon approval of Tiffin City Council. "I am proud that Tiffin was chosen as the location for this expansion and hope that the company will continue to invest in Tiffin for many years to come," said Mayor Aaron Montz in the company release. "In light of these difficult times, I'm excited that we are able to share the good news with our citizens that we continue to be a community that is growing." Dorel Industries Inc. is a global organization, operating three businesses in juvenile products, bicycles and home products. Dorel Juvenile's branded products include global brands Maxi-Cosi, Quinny and Tiny Love, complemented by regional brands such as Safety 1st, Bébé Confort, Cosco and Infanti. Dorel Sports brands include Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Caloi and IronHorse. Dorel Home, with its comprehensive e-commerce platform, markets an assortment of domestically produced and imported furniture. Dorel reports annual sales of $2.6 billion and employs 8,900 people in facilities in 25 countries.