Gahanna-based Benchmark Industrial set to expand Claycraft Road facility, workforce
Benchmark Industrial Inc. plans to double its workforce and expand its Claycraft Road facility this year.
The Gahanna-headquartered distributor of industrial, shipping and safety equipment will double its office space and add a significant addition to the warehouse, according to Jim Reid president.
He said Benchmark expects to create 40 full-time positions, generating $2.5 million in new annual payroll and retaining $3.4 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project.
Reid said the new positions would include a broad range of jobs, from customer service to warehouse/drivers, purchasing and sales, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $130,000 annually.
More: Gahanna-based ADB Safegate to build research-development, training facility
The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.124%, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project Jan. 31, according to Lisa Colbert, public-information officer for the Ohio Department of Development.
Benchmark moved to 950 Claycraft Road in November 2019, and Reid credits the rapid growth to an increased demand for safety equipment for items ranging from gloves to caution signs during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and, more importantly, the company’s loyalty to its customer base.
“Our belief is that the customer ‘feels’ how a company regards them,” he said. “If a company truly cares, then it has to start at the top and then comes through loud and clear at every level of the company.”
The acquisition of a Cleveland-based distributor in 2021 also helped drive the need to add to the payroll, according to Robin Lifter, CFO.
“We are becoming more efficient every year, but our customer base continues to grow due to acquisitions and a positive response to our next day deliver process,” she said.
Since 1963, customers in distribution, food service, manufacturing and government have counted on Benchmark for excellent service, expert advice and high-quality products, according to the company’s website at benchmarkinc.com.
“If we don’t have it, we’ll source it for you,” the website states.
Gahanna Mayor Laurie Jadwin said companies like Benchmark are the backbone of the community.
“Despite the challenges posed over the last two years by the pandemic, the leadership team at Benchmark Industrial has continued to find innovative ways to not only sustain their operations but spur impressive growth,” she said. “As part of our ongoing efforts to engage with Gahanna’s business community, our development team learned of Benchmark’s latest expansion plans late last year and helped to facilitate engagement with regional stakeholders to ensure that their growth, including net new jobs, remained local.”
Jadwin said the city appreciates Benchmark’s continued investment in the city.
In addition to the Gahanna headquarter expansion, Benchmark recently opened an office in Indianapolis, creating a larger regional presence.
“Our strategy is very simple – keep the customer the center of what we do and make it as easy as possible for customers to buy,” Reid said. “People have enough headaches without a supplier giving them more.”
mkuhlman@thisweeknews.com
@ThisWeekMarla
This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Gahanna-based Benchmark Industrial to expand Claycraft facility, add jobs
