May 27, 2008

oliveaurora.org

OliveAurora

Rotek stays put

An Aurora manufacturing plant of a German company will be getting an $82 million expansion and 150 new jobs.

Rotek Inc., which manufactures large diameter bearings for such things as radar systems, wind energy turbines, tunnel boring machines and rail vehicles, will begin construction at the end of this month with the plant expected to begin expanded production in the first quarter of 2010.

Rotek, a subsidiary of Dortmund, Germany-based Rothe Erde, announced the investment on Tuesday. Rothe Erde is part of the ThyssenKrupp Technologies Group of Dusseldorf, Germany.

The investment includes what is called a second ring mill at the Aurora facility to serve its own expanding large diameter ‘’slewing ring” production and help meet the growing demands in the United States for seamless rolled rings.

The manufacturing plant will increase by 116,000 square feet and add new machinery, tooling and production lines, said spokesman Matt Rhodes.

In a press release, Rotek President Leonard F. Osborne said, ”The planned expansion is an integral part of the company’s growth strategy. This significant investment represents our continued commitment to provide the highest quality products and customer service possible.”

ThyssenKrupp Rotek received funds from the State of Ohio Department of Development for job creation and training, as well as machinery and equipment purchases. In addition, the city of Aurora offered the company property tax abatement and funds for road infrastructure improvements.

In the news release, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said, ”Rotek is developing and manufacturing components for several high growth industries, including wind energy, where Ohio has become a national leader with a strong competitive advantage. We welcome Rotek’s growth and the 150 new jobs in the City of Aurora.”

The company said it will create 150 new full-time jobs within three years and retain the 215 existing full-time jobs in Aurora at the plant and local headquarters. The hiring process will begin in the fall. (more…)

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April 23, 2008

oliveaurora.org

OliveAurora

Residents seeking Cochran Rd. fixup

As taxpayers, we and several other families in our area have been proud to let friends and relatives know what a lovely community we have in Aurora.However, to dwellers in the Lakes of Aurora and especially those who use Cochran Road, it has become an embarrassment to have visitors see the mass of rubbish and dead trees, and deplorable condition of the road.

It’s crumbling and in places is so pitted there is hardly room for two cars to pass. Potholes are damaging vehicles. Cochran is no longer the back road it was in former days.

The large number of homes and condos built now use it as their main connection to Route 82. Patches are no longer viable because of the heavy amount of traffic.

While it is nice to discuss clocktowers, flower gardens and sidewalks that go nowhere for the next 20 years, it seems our priorities should be to maintain what we already have.

While the city spends tax dollars working on private roads and paving some streets for a second or third time, Cochran gets pushed to the back of the to-do list year after year.

I know many taxpayers believed when the road levy passed several years ago Cochran would be one of the first roads done. But every year, we’re told it’s too expensive.

The job will not be less expensive next year or the year after. If it had been done when promised, it probably would’ve cost a fraction of what it will now.

We urge taxpayers with similar concerns to contact Council reps and the administration or attend the April 28 Council meeting at 7 p.m. to express concerns directly.

It’s not only a matter of looks, but a serious matter of safety.

Pete and Terry Gugliotta, Aurora

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