Autotool Release

For Immediate Release Contact: Kenny McDonald July 31, 2012 614.225.6060

Autotool, Inc., to Add 30 Jobs, Invest $4 Million in Columbus Region

Union County, Ohio – Autotool, Inc., a single-source supplier for complete automation systems, has committed to remain in the Columbus Region for the next nine years as part of its $4 million investment and addition of 30 new jobs. This is the second time in 12 years the company has experienced a major expansion. “Our longstanding growth in Ohio has given us the resources we need to provide our customers with the highest quality of products and services in the automotive industry,” said Bassam Homsi, president and CEO of Autotool. “We were able to work with Columbus 2020, the State of Ohio, and Union County, and found a solution that both fits our strategy and reinforces our commitment to Central Ohio.” In the fall of 2011, Autotool was considering extending its growth in Alabama. Homsi mentioned the concept to member-based technology consortium EWI, prompting Columbus 2020 to get involved. Additionally, Eric Phillips, executive director of the Union County Economic Development Partnership, and JobsOhio were engaged, kicking off a collaborative effort to retain and grow Autotool in Ohio.

“Autotool is an important part of Union County and we appreciate their continued support of the community,” said Phillips.

The company, which started in the Columbus Region in 1994 and provides automotive manufacturers and their suppliers a single source for tooling and automation needs, currently operates a 40,000-square-foot facility in Plain City and employs 27 people. Manufacturing is a key sector in the region, representing nearly 20 percent of the workforce in nine of 11 counties, and continues to be a growth target sector for Columbus 2020. “Autotool’s expansion is a perfect example of a longstanding manufacturing company making a conscious effort to continue its growth and success in the Columbus Region,” said Kenny McDonald, chief economic officer, Columbus 2020. “We’re proud that our local, regional and state economic development teams could come together and ensure that this company remains in the region.”                                                                                

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About Columbus 2020 Columbus 2020 is a bold public-private partnership that leverages the strengths of the Columbus Region’s talented workforce, small and large businesses, research and academic institutions, and international connections to ignite economic growth and build a healthier, more sustainable future for Central Ohio. The initiative grows our economy by ensuring that our existing companies are growing and thriving, that the world´s leading companies are attracted to the 11-county region, that innovations are cultivated and commercialized, and that our civic infrastructure is continually improving to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world economy. For more information, visit ColumbusRegion.com.

About Autotool AUTOTOOL is a single source supplier for complete automation systems. Every aspect of the project including concept development, design, manufacturing, integration, installation and start-up support is handled by us and becomes our responsibility. Established in 1994, we began with the vision of providing automotive manufacturers and their suppliers a single source for all their tooling and automation needs. Since then, we've successfully continued the tradition of producing effective and turn-key solutions for product manufacturing. We've become driven in our mission to provide our clients with nothing but the best in quality as well as the greatest return for their investment. For more information, visit http://www.autotoolinc.com.