A Look Back: Former Chrysler Plant Finding New Beginnings

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After the Chrysler plant closed in 2009, a deep cut to the Twinsburg economy, a plan to buy the property could give the city new life.

In July, the former Chrysler Stamping Plant on East Aurora Road was officially purchased Thursday by developers from Scannell Properties, based in Indianapolis  and DiGeronimo Cos. of Independence, according to the city.

The previous owner, Maynards Industries Ltd., sold most of the equipment from the facility, said Larry Finch, Twinsburg’s community planning and development director. After they sold what they could, they sold the property.

“Fortunately for us the sale is to a group that has commercial industrial property development experience,” Finch said.

The DiGeronimo family has been involved in heavy construction and demolition for years.

“The ingredients are basically there with the experience to deal with the site,” Finch said.

While the city didn’t take any part in the deal between the companies, Finch said Twinsburg’s desire is to keep the 167-acre property industrial because of its railway connection and proximity to major highways such as I-480.

“Logistically it’s pretty well positioned,” Finch said.

The city will work with the developers to promote the site and help bring new companies in.

Flighty problems

The smallest of creatures almost put on hold one of the biggest redevelopment projects in Twinsburg.

An endangered species of bat, the Indiana Bat, nearly derailed plans for the first round of redevelopment in the former Chrysler stamping plant.

Even though a survey reported no signs of the endangered Indiana bat on site, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service sent the developers a letter encouraging them to wait until November 15 to clear any trees,

But luckily, the problem was averted. Matt Weber from GBC Design in Fairlawn, told the Twinsburg Planning Commission they decided to move the project. The new building site will be on the same parcel of land but it will be moved north to avoid clearing the trees in the area.

“There’s been some issues lately that are, frankly, driving me ‘batty,’” Weber said.

He told planning commission they moved the area slightly as to be aware of everyone’s interest. Moving the site north, just a matter of hundreds of feet, will alleviate any of the issues and allow the company to move forward.

Same company, new digs

Performance Food Group-Vistar Ohio, currently operating on Dutton Drive in Twinsburg, will be the first occupant of the former Chrysler stamping plant, bringing its 50 employees and creating 10 more jobs in the next five years. Larry Finch, director of community planning and development, said Tim Elam of Scannell Properties worked to keep the food distribution center in the city.

“We are retaining a company that is very strong in the marketplace,” Finch said. “We would have lost these jobs if it weren’t for Mr. Elam and Scannell Properties, the mayor, and city staff.”

Vistar will occupy one portion of the Chrysler site that will be parceled out into about seven pieces. Planning commission will review the final site plans on Monday and Finch said demolition could begin in the next few weeks. The project is planned to be complete by September 2012, at a total cost of $9.3 million.

“My company is willing and able to spend $9.3 million in this investment and invest in this community where it’s been our home for 30 years,” Lutch said. “Twinsburg’s been good to us and we’d like to be here for the next 30 years.”

“I am just very excited about this particular project,” said Mayor Katherine Procop, adding this will be the first new building on the site in 54 years.

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