CHILLICOTHE – Riffle Machine Works is moving forward with another expansion, nearly four years after its last multimillion-dollar project. One of four manufacturing support services (MSS) companies in the local Kenworth supply chain, the company’s decision to expand is in response to a need for additional staging and pre-assembly work for the Class 8 heavy-duty truck manufacturer.
The $1.6 million capital investment project will create an additional 47,000 square feet to Building #2 at the site and bring 25 new positions paying at least $11.00/hr over the next 3 years, as well as allow 270 positions to be retained.
Green Township Trustees issued a resolution in support of the project on October 9, 2019. On October 21, Ross County Commissioners approved the 55% property tax abatement for a period of 10 years. “We are so happy to see them continue to grow,” Commissioner Neal stated during the meeting.
The current expansion may include the construction of a right turn lane from northbound Ohio 159 at Riffle Machine’s south access point and a widening of the truck turning radius at both Riffle’s south and north access points.
Currently, delivery trucks do not have a different access road and must use the same driveways used by employees. This often causes traffic delays on Ohio 159, especially during shift changes. The proposed improvements will allow delivery trucks to enter a turn lane before entering the Riffle property, freeing travel on the main roadway, according to Director of Economic Development Tammy Eallonardo.
“Riffle Machine is a family-owned business who saw an opportunity in the 1980’s and acted upon it. Their willingness to take the risk and invest in our community has allowed them to become a successful company that employs almost 300 people,” Eallonardo said. “We are happy to support their current expansion project and look forward to celebrating their future successes.”