Manufacturer plans $6M Norwalk expansion

NORWALK — Extol of Ohio plans a $6 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Norwalk, a project expected to add dozens of jobs and expand the company's footprint in the city. The company announced it will add 67,500 square feet to its existing facility on Republic Street with the latest in a series of four expansions dating back to its 1985 founding. Extol, which produces custom industrial insulation systems for processing facilities, estimates the project will create 35 new full-time jobs by 2029 while retaining 90 existing positions. Company officials said the additional jobs are expected to generate about $1 million in new annual payroll once completed. Extol owner Robin DeGraff credited employees along with local and regional partners for making the project possible. "Extol of Ohio is grateful to our employees for their relentless care of our expanding customer base, affording us this opportunity to invest in our future by expanding our Norwalk factory for the fourth time," DeGraff said in a statement. "This milestone was made possible through the combined support of Huron County Growth Partnership, Civista Bank, the city of Norwalk, Erie County Port Authority, administered by Greater Sandusky Partnership, JobsOhio, Team NEO and our contractor, Anstead Construction." DeGraff also said the additional space and new equipment are intended to "strengthen the company's ability to compete nationally and globally." Extol's Norwalk operation has grown exponentially over the past four decades. According to DeGraff, its current operations are roughly "30 times larger" than when it first began operations in Norwalk. Mayor Dave Light said the city welcomes the expansion and the jobs it is expected to bring. "City leaders are pleased and excited that Extol continues to invest in and grow its operations in Norwalk," Light said, citing the company's long-standing presence and the quality manufacturing jobs it supports. "We look forward to Extol's continued success and long-term commitment to the city." The project was announced on Wednesday in a release from the Huron County Growth Partnership, a public-private nonprofit focused on economic development and chamber services in the county.