Norwalk start-up's plan for 150 jobs may resume

2/18/2011
BLADE STAFF

NORWALK, Ohio — Plans to reopen a closed factory in Norwalk and create about 150 jobs have ended, but the possibility exists that a new venture could step in to fill the void.

Structure Manufacturing Group Inc., a start-up venture, had been awarded a $100,000 state grant and a $1.7 million state loan to buy new machinery and the former Commercial Vehicle Group Inc. plant in Norwalk where it planned to assemble and coat heavy truck cabs.

However, Ellen Heinz, economic development director for the Norwalk Economic Development Corp., said the investors behind Structure Manufacturing last month deemed the idea too risky and pulled the plug on the venture.

But now, Ms. Heinz said, new investors have stepped forward to express interest in the venture, and if it goes forward they may seek to get the state's incentives reinstated.