Railroad Partners With Ashland, OH, to Attract Barbasol Manufacturing Plant
Ashland, Ohio is well known for its welcome sign that proclaims the city to be “The World Headquarters of Nice People.” In this small city of 22,000 that has been hit hard with layoffs, things just got a little nicer thanks to a surprising asset: freight rail.
Barbasol recently completed construction of a new manufacturing facility that will employ 30 people immediately and is expected to create 100 new jobs. When Barbasol first expressed interest, community leaders rallied together to highlight the benefits of Ashland and pull together the usual incentives for new companies. It was the local freight railroad that turned out to be the ace in the hole.
Barbasol required freight rail access to transport raw products needed in the production of shaving cream. The hometown railroad, Ashland Railroad, was more than happy to accommodate. In fact, the railroad invested a million dollars in building a spur and upgrading the quality of its track to meet Barbasol’s needs. Evan Scurti, Director of the Ashland Area Council for Economic Development stated, “Without freight rail, we wouldn’t have Barbasol.”
Barbasol is doing its part to be community minded too. They are joining local organizations, contracting with local companies, and are only looking at local residents to fill job openings.
According to Mr. Scurti, Ashland did not have an industrial park served by rail prior to this project. Since Barbasol’s announcement and the expansion of local freight rail lines, interest is growing and the city is already receiving additional inquiries about availability at the industrial park. “Even local manufacturers are taking a second look at freight rail’s cost efficiencies and positive environmental impact,” stated Scurti.
As for the Ashland Railroad, they are seeing immediate benefits as well. Six laid-off staff have been brought back to work and the company plans to expand employment once the Barbasol plant is up and running.