Kadant Consolidates Manufacturing and Office Operations

Kadant Black Clawson, a global supplier of high-value, critical components and engineered systems, has opened its new facility in Lebanon, Ohio. This new location is a consolidation of national and international manufacturing and office operations.

Kadant Black Clawson LLC, a subsidiary of Kadant Inc., started as a machinery repair shop in southwest Ohio more than 140 years ago as The Black Clawson Company. Now, the company is a global producer of fiber processing systems used in papermaking, with more than half of the world’s recycled paper being processed by Kadant Black Clawson’s equipment.

As Kadant Black Clawson’s manufacturing facility in Alabama reached capacity, the company decided to construct a new facility that would integrate its U.S. and Sweden manufacturing operations as well as its administrative, engineering and sales functions into a single location.

Kadant Black Clawson’s new 160,000-square-foot facility will house this consolidation. The company’s employees in its current Lebanon, Mason, Sweden and Alabama locations will relocate to the new facility.

The company has plans to hire and train over 60 associates at this new facility, including welders, CNC machinists, quality inspectors, electrical and mechanical maintenance workers, and supervisors. Associates will be eligible for benefits that include immediate 401(k) participation, educational assistance, wellness plans and a schedule promoting work-life balance.

“We’re excited to be creating great manufacturing jobs while also boosting our company’s manufacturing efficiencies with this new facility,” said Peter Flynn, president of Kadant Black Clawson. “This significant investment allows us to make a difference in the workplace and in our community, and we are proud to call southwest Ohio our home.”

The company sees the new Lebanon facility as a smart business move that will improve operating efficiencies and offer plenty of space for its expanding business. Additionally, the company believes the new location will connect it to a qualified talent pool.

Ohio remains a strong state in manufacturing talent, boasting the third largest manufacturing workforce in the U.S. and offering existing resources for companies such as Kadant Black Clawson to build a skilled workforce.

To learn more about advanced manufacturing in Ohio, visit our industry page.