Ottoville firm buys Kongsberg plant

Van Wert independent/submitted information

Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer has announced the expansion of an Ottoville-based company’s operations here in Van Wert.

The mayor said in an email Thursday evening that Miller Precision Manufacturing Industries Inc. (MPI) will be expanding its operations in Van Wert, moving from its present location at 1255 Industrial Ave. to the former Kongsberg/Teleflex building at 1265 Industrial Ave. The company will also be bringing its St. Marys stamping and fabrication division to the new site as well.

The move will allow for growth and the streamlining of the company’s operations, said MPI President Jim Miller.

Miller said the Van Wert community, mayor and economic development offices have all helped in the decision for the growth of his company’s Van Wert operation. Miller Precision has been part of the Van Wert community since 2008, when it started manufacturing in a warehouse purchased a year earlier.

MPI’s commitment to delivering a precision product to its customers has allowed the company to grow, Miller added. The company offers a full complement of precision machining operations — including turning, drilling, tapping, milling, stamping, laser cutting, water-jet cutting, welding and painting. MPI is constantly upgrading production and testing equipment and uses only the best machinery and equipment available. Customers include food equipment, lift truck, medical and automotive industries.

There are currently 12 employees at the Van Wert location, with plans to increase employment by at least five fulltime positions within the next 24 months. The company will also be adding employees to its Ottoville location. Total employment at all locations at this time is 85. Miller said all its employees have helped to make the business grow to where it is today.

Miller Precision Manufacturing Industries, with headquarters in Ottoville, was started in 1988, beginning as a small job shop and expanding to a full-service facility serving the needs of industries.