Chandler Systems, Inc.

Chandler Systems, Inc. (CSI) was founded in 1993 by Bill Chandler.  In 10 years the company grew from 1 to 36 full-time employees in March 2003.  These employees included panel and system builders, engineers, and customer service and support personnel.  By March 2004 CSI exceeded 40 full-time employees and now employs over 60.  The facility, on the corner of Cottage and Ohio Streets, was recently expanded and is filled to capacity.  Consequently, CSI purchased the adjacent and recently vacated Hedstrom facility.  Renovation planning is currently underway.

 

From the beginning CSI specialized in the manufacturing of custom electrical control systems for the wastewater industry and that remains their strength today.  The Controls Division now offers a complete line of pump controls, alarms, floats, and custom designed and built control panels.  In 1995 CSI Water Treatment Systems became a division of CSI.  This division offers a complete line of water treatment equipment for residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial and municipal applications.

 

CSI’s commitment to innovation is what sets it apart from its competitors.  Continuously developed new products simplify, add flexibility and efficiency, and reduce costs.  New products and technology has enabled CSI to keep jobs in the U.S.  For example, numerous injection molding tools and in-house designed and built circuit boards allow CSI to strongly compete with foreign markets.

Bendon Publishing 
 

Founded in 2001, Bendon Publishing is one of the fastest growing Children's Book Publishers in the world. In March 2005 the company moved into a 240,000 square-foot state of the art distribution center that formerly housed the Pentair South (Hydromatic) plant. This facility allows Bendon to ship on time, every time as well as achieve great efficiency by partnering with local vendors. Bendon’s early success is due to its simple philosophy of listening to the customer and giving them what they want. The ownership team has a dedication to the market and a strong sense of what kids find interesting and fun with their combined 50 + years experience in children's publishing.

Bendon holds national and worldwide licenses for the exclusive production of some of the most recognizable children’s books, including:  Sesame Street, Disney, Arthur, Barbie Education, Barney, Bear in the Big Blue House, Bob the Builder, Kim Possible, Lizzie McGuire, and at least a dozen others.

Between the office staff and fulfillment center Bendon is responsible for 50 full-time employees, most of which are Ashland County residents.  The company has ambitious growth plans as well as a plan to become a major community leader for years to come.  Their sales grew by over 300% in 2004 and are on track to double sales in 2005.    Ashland Economic Development would like to congratulate all of the employees and owners on their successful move to a new facility and thank them for their investment in Ashland.

Ashland Precision Tooling

Ashland Precision Tooling, LLC provides high-quality precision tooling and products from tool steels and specialty materials to the manufacturing industry.  They are committed to providing complete, personalized and responsive service that will result in a competitive advantage to their customers.

Ashland Precision Tooling is a true success story for Ashland.  When Timken announced that it would be closing its local plant, the local management team assembled to purchase the plant and create Ashland Precision Tooling, LLC.  This preserved over 80 local jobs and established a company with local ownership.  The team at Ashland Precision Tooling is committed to on-going improvements, focused on customer service and highly involved in community service.  Ashland Economic Development applauds Ashland Precision Tooling, LLC and admires the APT team for their commitment to quality in every aspect of business.   

Reineke Company, Inc.

Reineke Company was formed in 2002 and created over 30 local jobs to date.  Reineke manufactures quality cast iron rotor and forged steel hub solutions for the automotive aftermarket including custom and specialty products.  The team at Reineke is another example of a highly qualified, dedicated workforce.  For example, their CNC operators average over 25 years of experience.

Reineke’s commitment to quality, excellence and the Ashland community are to be admired.  The company has capitalized on Ashland’s quality workforce and Ashland Economic Development looks forward to their continued growth.

Both Ashland Precision Tooling, LLC and Reineke Company, Inc. won the Mayor’s Golden Oak Award in 2003.  The award is presented to individuals or organizations who nurture life, growth and pride in the Ashland community.