Allied Machine breaks ground on expansion project at Dover
Summary: A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Allied Machine and Engineering Corp. at their Deeds Drive location at Dover to usher in an expansion that will increase manufacturing space as well as create new jobs in the community.Even in the current economic and political climate Allied Machine and Engineering Corp. at Dover, a company that was founded in wartime 1941 continues to grow and expand as the market for their replaceable-tip drilling systems increases across the globe.
A groundbreaking ceremony that included president and CEO William Stokey along with sons Steve and Mike and their families was held on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at their Deeds Dr. location at Dover to usher in an $18.7 million, 64,000 square foot expansion that will include manufacturing space, fixed asset investment toward new machinery, equipment and a new staff lunch facility.
The guest list included state and local dignitaries all anxious to congratulate the Stokey Family on their latest endeavor that will benefit the community and allow the company to add upwards of 30 jobs. The company was granted a 10 year, 100% tax abatement last June that will save the corporation $2.43 million in real estate taxes according to the Tuscarawas County Auditor’s office.
Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce president and executive director Scott Robinson opened the ceremony before the Dover High School Marching Tornadoes under the direction of Micah Carrick performed the National Anthem with Ron Barkett serving as vocalist. Pastor Brian Flood gave a warm invocation before the ceremony speakers were introduced.
Sarah Poulton spoke on behalf of U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson R-Marietta who was unable to attend the ceremony.
Dover Mayor Rick Homrighausen commended the Stokey family for providing Dover with a business that has grown to become one of the city’s largest employers.
State Rep. Al Landis R-Dover took time to recognize the owners and their families, the management team, the engineers, the sales team and the production workers that have made the growth possible. “Without the commitment of the team at Allied Machine, this expansion would not be possible,” said Landis. “Government did not build this company. Government did not create these jobs.”
U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs R-Lakeville described the evolution of Allied as a family-owned business that succeeded because of the willingness to take risks. “There is no question who built this business,” said Gibbs. “I have to commend Allied Machine and Engineering for the role they play here in the community. This expansion will also allow them to be more competitive in the global market.”
An emotional William Stokey spoke about the once unimaginable opportunities that have allowed Allied to grow into the company that exists today. “This is truly one great day,” said Stokey. “In my lifetime there was no way that I could have imagined this. Even today it is difficult for me to comprehend the growth we are having.”
Stokey made mention of the numerous international guests that serve as distributors all over the world who have made it possible for Allied to be a part of the global market through their continued participation in the growth of the company. Individuals from France, Germany, India, Italy and Slovenia were able to attend the ceremony after having attended a trade show in Chicago and were already stateside.
“It truly is a world economy. It is my responsibility to create an environment where every associate at Allied Machine can have success. It would be really nice if the government would create an environment where we could all have success.”
The Dover Marching Tornadoes performed God Bless the USA and the groundbreaking commenced.
With shovels in hand the symbolic tossing of earth made the groundbreaking official and Allied Machine and Engineering turns the page and begins the next chapter.
An all-American style lunch of burgers, hotdogs, baked beans and all the fixings was catered by Chef Michael Smith of Trax Diner at Dennison.