What's New

Guernsey County Comprehensive Plan Posted for Review

The Guernsey County Comprehensive Plan is posted for review and comments prior to presentation to the commissioners at the regular planning meeting on June 7.

Ohio University to Expand in Cambridge

Ohio University’s Zanesville and Eastern campuses plan to expand academic offerings in the areas of applied management, social work, and general education to serve students in the Cambridge area.  Currently renting space from Zane State College at the Willett-Pratt Training Center, the university has purchased a newly-renovated facility in Cambridge next to the Pritchard-Laughlin Civic Center which will offer more than 20 courses per semester.  Ohio U. plans to work closely with companies involved in utica shale development to serve their needs along with promoting more entrepreneurial businesses.  This expansion will increase and diversify the academic opportunities available to Cambridge area students, both in and out of the emerging oil and gas production explosion.

Quanex Open House Spotlights $16 Million Investment

The Edgetech I.G. Corporation, a resident of Guernsey County for more than 12 years, was purchased last year by Quanex Building Products of Houston, Texas.  County officials “held their breath” as the new owners contemplated remaining in Cambridge or possible consolidation elsewhere.  The CIC was proud to play a significant role in the decision to remain in Cambridge, bring a sister company into the plant, and spend $16 million in facility and equipment purchases and upgrades.  The new Quanex facility was presented to the community during an open house on August 22.  The company will hire more than 170 new employees.

GoFrac Establishes Regional Headquarters

GoFrac, a leading supplier of oil and gas well services and hydraulic fracturing operations, has made a major investment in the Cambridge area.  Surrounded by millions of dollars of well-servicing equipment, the company is in the process of a refurbishing and upgrade of the existing facility to create their regional corporate headquarters.  Significant site upgrades are also in process, including construction of two rail spurs to serve their transportation needs.  Most importantly to our area, employment forecasts reflect a substantial number of new area job opportunities.

AFC Cable Systems Thrives in New Facility

Earlier this year, AFC Cable Systems left the leased facility it had occupied for many years and moved into a brand-new, 50,000 sq. ft. building on the campus of sister company, Monogram Metals.  With Monogram now under the AFC flag, the company has embarked on an expanded production schedule that will include hiring 65 new employees to staff their more than $6,500,000 investment.  AFC adds a new enhancement to the small but busy and vibrant Byesville Business Park.  The CIC is proud to have been a partner in assisting AFC in their major investment and show of confidence in the growth of Guernsey County.

Leyshon-Miller Industries Launches Expansion Plans

Leyshon-Miller Industries, a small, long-time producer of prototypes for various industries, primarily in plastics, was recently purchased by Apex Industries of Cincinnati.  The acquisition injected new life into the local organization, which will now add more than 60 new jobs to meet an ever-growing list of customer requirements.  They currently occupy their long-time facility and have leased an additional building from a local developer to help meet increased production demands.  Discussions are now in progress for the possibility of working with the Port Authority to acquire a 10-acre parcel in the D.O. Hall Business Center and construct a brand-new, state-of-the-art production facility.

Cambridge Becomes a College Town

On September 27, Zane State College broke ground on a multi-million dollar, full-service campus in Cambridge's D.O. Hall Business Center. Zane State's existing Willett-Pratt Industrial Training Center will be joined to the new campus by an imposing skywalk spanning State Route 660, representing an impressive gateway to the thriving business park. The comprehensive campus will encompass all college amenities, including a bookstore, laboratories, student common areas, and faculty offices. Zane State College is rapidly ramping up to meet the training needs of the oil and gas industry.  Go to the Zane State College web site to view training and course offerings and/or to register for the appropriate courses.