Parker Trutec Celebrates Expansion

​By Nick Walton, Urbana Daily Citizen
A local manufacturer celebrated the expansion of its e-coat line during a ceremony on Thursday.

Parker Trutec employees along with multiple local government officials were in attendance for the e-coat line dedication ceremony.

Parker Trutec Inc. President Joseph Gummel spoke about the history of Parker Trutec in Urbana starting with parent company Nihon Parkerizing Co. purchasing land locally in 1987. Gummel said the purchased property became the first building as part of the Urbana plant.

The building Thursday’s presentation was held in is the third large building the company has added since the first building, Gummel said.

“While we’ve been fortunate to be able to continue to expand over the years, our purpose remains steadfastly the same as it was in 1988 and reflects the purpose of (Nihon Parkerizing Co. founder) Mr. Yuji Satomi back in 1928,” Gummel said. “That purpose is to contribute to the advancement of society by applying our technology and skill to honor the customer with good product on time, to help raise the dignity of life by providing jobs for individuals so they can support themselves and their families, and to be a conscious corporate citizen in the community.

“God willing with this building and this equipment we plan to do exactly that by applying our determination and our hard work in the coming years.”

Urbana Mayor Bill Bean said the city has provided sewer service to Parker Trutec which is one of the larger users for the city’s new water reclamation facility. “

​In turn, Parker Trutec has provided jobs for our citizens here in Urbana and the Champaign County area,” Bean said. “You are truly the lifeblood of our community by providing jobs and a tax base that makes our community one of the best – if not the best – community in Ohio. It’s this kind of partnership that makes living, working and doing business in Urbana and Champaign County a real pleasure.

“I would like to thank Parker Trutec, Nihon Parkerizing Co., and Joseph Gummel for locating here in Champaign County almost 30 years ago. Thank you and may we look forward to another 30 years of your success here in Champaign County.”

Jenny Gilger, Assistant Vice President of American Honda Motor Company, said Trutec has always been a great partner for American Honda.

“We truly value and appreciate our almost 30 years of working together and we congratulate you on the expansion of your operations here in Urbana as you continue to be a valued member of the community providing stable employment,” Gilger said.

Following a ribbon cutting, attendees were given a tour of the new e-coat line.

WL-S donation
During the dedication ceremony, representatives from West Liberty-Salem received a $25,000 check from Parker Trutec towards the Tiger Strong Fieldhouse.

WL-S Athletic Director Jake Vitt said next to the school, Parker Trutec is the biggest employer in the West Liberty-Salem community. Vitt referenced the Jan. 20 shooting at West Liberty-Salem during which student Logan Cole was injured. Cole was in attendance for Thursday’s ceremony. Vitt said the school wanted a way to recognize the date and honor the first responders who responded to the school on that date. Vitt said through Cole’s wishes the school established a fund for a fieldhouse for students, athletes and the community.

“The purpose of this was to give back to our community and honor those who acted in valor and courageous acts that particular day as we had many first responders, many community members all within the surrounding area that kicked in and helped that day,” Vitt said. Vitt said the main focus of the building will be a room recognizing Cole and other past community heroes. “We’re very excited to roll this plan out … we kind of kicked it off this spring and Parker Trutec is very generous and wanted to get on board with us and this project and we appreciate that very much,” Vitt said.
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Nick Walton can be reached at 937-652-1331 Ext. 1777 or on Twitter @UDCWalton.