New Jersey-based company coming to Fremont ICC brings 75 jobs and $3.4M in payroll
Pictured L to R: Beth Hannam, SCEDC; Terry Nielsen, ICC; Buddy Bussey; Kyle Bussey, ICC; Brandon Bussey, ICC; Bob Gross, City of Fremont; Kirstin Nelson, ICC; and Mayor Danny Sanchez, City of Fremont.By ANDREA GIBSON, SCEDC
A manufacturer based in Marlboro, N.J., plans to open a new facility in Fremont. International Cushioning Company, LLC, will expand its operations into Ohio and locate at the former Fremont Plastics Building located at 2101 Cedar St., Fremont. ICC expects to hire 75 employees within their first year and will invest $3.4 in associated payroll with a total capital investment of over $3.6 million.
“We are very excited to be expanding our business into the Midwest to continue to support our current customers and grow our business,” said Terry Nielsen, vice president of ICC. “This new location allows us to continue to build the foundation for future expansion of the business. Our long-term plans include adding additional products and employees to the organization over the next couple of years.”
“We believe that Fremont has presented us with a very business friendly environment and a true partner in helping us make the new operation a success,” said Buddy Bussey, president and owner.
ICC is a commercial packaging manufacturer with facilities in New Jersey, Texas and North Carolina. For over 50 years ICC has had success with supplying their customers a range of solutions, including corner board, PE foam, bubble pack, rolled paper products, corrugate paper wrap and more.
ICC is a fourth-generation, family-owned business started by Buddy Bussey’s grandfather, Harry, after he immigrated to the U.S. The company continued to grow and transition into the protective packaging industry under the expert leadership of Buddy’s father, Harry Bussey Jr. Together they continued the legacy of growth with over 50 U.S. patents and over 60 years of experience in the packaging industry. ICC is adding new locations to further strengthen the company’s foundation for the next generation. Buddy’s sons, Brandon Harry Bussey IV and Kyle Ryan Bussey, will continue to tend to and further grow the Bussey family business for generations to come.
The Sandusky County Economic Development Corp. along with the City of Fremont partnered with the Regional Growth Partnership and JobsOhio in bringing this project together. The team worked closely in the site selection process as well as putting together a competitive incentive package for ICC.
“The attraction of International Cushioning brings 75 jobs and new manufacturing operations to Northwest Ohio,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO. “International Cushioning’s decision to invest in Fremont is an example of collaborative efforts with the RGP and local partners to create new opportunities that lead to a strong economic recovery in Ohio.”
This was a competitive site search process for ICC with locations in other Midwest locations also being considered. The location of the new facility fits into the proximity of markets that they serve in Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as their customers located here in Ohio. This strategic location will help them serve their existing customer base more effectively and continue to grow their business geographically.
“It has been wonderful working with Buddy, Terry, Kirstin and the rest of the team at ICC over the past few months. ICC’s decision to choose Fremont and Sandusky County for its new manufacturing facility shows economic growth and stability within our region” said Beth Hannam, executive director of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corp.. “We are looking forward to continuing a strong relationship with ICC and wish them great success at their new facility.”
“I am excited to welcome International Cushioning Company to Fremont,” said Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez. “The City of Fremont, Sandusky County Economic Development Corp. and the Regional Growth Partnership have worked closely with one another to help secure a new manufacturer to move into the Cedar Street property.”
“Our City’s reputation of being a strong manufacturing community continues to create new job opportunities for our community. I want to thank all those involved that helped make this happen. This a good day for Fremont and great investment into our City,” said Sanchez.
ICC will begin the recruitment process for new employees through OhioMeansJobs.
Sandusky County Economic Development Corp. is a non-profit organization that focuses on workforce development, business retention and expansion, and business recruitment for Sandusky County. Learn more about the SCEDC at sanduskycountyedc.org.
