By: 1808Delawware; Governor Mike DeWine Press Release
This past week, $20 million in grants were provided to 68 Ohio manufacturers to produce PPE (personal protective equipment), a defense in the spread of COVID-19.
One of those receiving a grant was Waterford Signs of Delaware.
According to its website, the company was established in 1991 and creates products ranging from business cards to 50 foot banners.
After the pandemic hit, Waterford Signs was one of those creative companies in Ohio that turned on a dime and began to make a product that met an important need.
The Ohio PPE Retooling and Reshoring grants provide up to $500,000 to small and medium-sized manufacturers to expand production or convert their facility to start producing PPE including cleaning and sanitizing products, community dividers, components for ventilators, masks, face shields, gloves, gowns, hand sanitizer, nasal swabs, surgical masks, and thermometers.
The projects are expected to create 829 new jobs and retain 1,133 existing jobs. More than half of the awards will help small businesses with less than 25 employees. Grant funds can be used to retool or expand existing facilities in Ohio, construct new facilities, purchase equipment, or upgrade technology. Projects must be complete by December 31, 2020.
