By 1808Delaware
A Delaware manufacturing facility is set to take on a much larger role in North America’s electrical supply chain. Sam Dong Ohio has announced plans to invest more than $13 million to expand its facility at 801 Pittsburgh Drive, a project expected to create 30 new full-time jobs and substantially increase the company’s production capacity.
The expansion centers on new copper casting equipment that will more than double the plant’s production of oxygen-free copper rod. Current monthly output of about 5.5 million pounds could rise to as much as 14 million pounds once the project is complete.
At that level, the Delaware facility would become the largest producer of oxygen-free copper rod in North America.
Built Around Electrical Demand
Oxygen-free copper rod is used in transformers and other electrical equipment where conductivity, durability, and reliability matter. Those qualities are becoming increasingly important as utilities modernize infrastructure and expand the electric grid across North America. For Sam Dong, the Delaware expansion is both a capacity move and a long-term bet on continued demand for reliable electrical systems.
“Demand for reliable electrical infrastructure continues to grow and this investment positions Sam Dong to meet that need for decades to come,” said Randy Kaiser, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Sam Dong Ohio. “Our Delaware facility has been a cornerstone of our North American operations, and this expansion allows us to increase capacity, support our customers and continue investing in the community that has supported us for many years.”
An International Company With Local Roots
Founded in South Korea in 1977, Sam Dong serves more than 180 customers across 40 countries. Its products are used in transformers, electric motors, automotive systems, and other critical electrical applications. The company already employs 154 people in Delaware. The new positions are expected to add more than $1.8 million in annual payroll.
Company officials cited Delaware’s skilled workforce, strategic location, and business environment as reasons for continuing to invest locally.
City Leaders Welcome The Investment
For Delaware officials, the announcement represents another manufacturing win for the city and another sign that existing employers are choosing to grow where they already operate.
“Sam Dong has been a valued member of the Delaware business community for many years, and we’re excited to see the company continue to grow right here in our city,” said Mayor Carolyn Kay Riggle. “This investment brings new jobs, strengthens our local economy and reinforces Delaware’s reputation as a place where manufacturers and international businesses can succeed.”
City Manager Paul Brake pointed to the expansion as part of a broader pattern of business reinvestment.
“This announcement is another example of the confidence companies have in Delaware,” Brake said. “We’re proud to support businesses that choose to reinvest in our community, create quality jobs and contribute to Delaware’s long-term economic success.”
A Supply Chain Story Close To Home
While the product itself may be highly specialized, the expansion reflects a familiar local economic development theme: a company already embedded in the community deciding that Delaware is the right place for its next stage of growth.
For Sam Dong Ohio, that next stage means more production, more workers, and a larger role in the infrastructure economy. For Delaware, it means another major industrial investment on Pittsburgh Drive and a stronger position in a sector tied directly to the future of electrical power.
Source: City of Delaware
