Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

Springfield, Ohio — The site of what used to be a drive-in theater is on its way to becoming the address of a distribution center for one of Springfield's oldest and best-known products.

The Woeber Mustard Manufacturing Co., established in Springfield in 1905, has broken ground for a new facility at the intersection of Urbana and Moorefield roads in Moorfield Twp., previously home to the New Moon Drive-In.

The project, estimated in the $5 million range, will result in a 64,000 square foot facility that will create 15 new jobs, according to Chris Woeber, project manager.

New jobs will include warehouse positions, forklift operators and managers. Completion of the project is expected by late spring 2009.

"We're in the beginning stages of the project," Woeber said, "still working to secure the necessary permits with the county and township."

The company has outgrown its existing 110,000 square foot facility on Commerce Drive which supports about 120 employees and houses manufacturing and production.

"We have expanded a couple of times at our current location, but have no more room," Woeber said, adding that by building a new facility to house distribution, the company can further expand the production facility when the need arises.

The expansion is necessary, Woeber said, because overall business has been good with substantial growth in international markets, including England, Israel and Korea.

"Yellow mustard, often referred to in other countries as American mustard, has picked up in sales internationally, and we are now the largest private-label yellow mustard packager in England," he said.

The company recently received approval from Moorefield Twp. for a $350,000 tax abatement over a 10-year period and is awaiting approval on the same from Clark County.

Approval is expected from the county at its July 29 commission meeting.

A condition on the abatement requires Woeber Mustard to donate $10,000 per year for 10 years to scholarships for students in the Northeastern Local school district.

"This is a win-win for everyone," Woeber said, "We're excited to be able to stay local."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.