Switzerland-based industrial minerals producer plans to
increase its Blue Ash workforce to 145
Few companies have roots that go back to the 1800's, and even fewer become global leaders in their industries. Omya is certainly a rare exception in both cases.
The company was started in 1884 by a Swiss entrepreneur who began producing glazier's putty by combining chalk and linseed oil. Within a few years, he acquired a chalk quarry in France and built a plant to produce chalk powder -- and his business took off. Over the years Omya expanded into other countries, including the U.S., and began serving new markets. Today, the company is a global leader of industrial minerals and a worldwide distributor of chemicals.
In 1976, Omya established its North American headquarters in Vermont, but by 2007, needed a more central location to better serve its customers and operating facilities. That year, Omya selected Blue Ash and cited the city's quality of life, proximity to its customers, operating facilities, major freeways and the airport, and supportive business environment as the reasons for its decision.
At first, Omya estimated it would have 65 employees in Blue Ash by the end of 2011, including the corporate management functions that were part of its initial move from Vermont. The company exceeded those estimates in 2009 when it relocated its logistics, IT and customer service functions to the city. Today, Omya has 125 employees in Blue Ash and plans to add 20 more by this fall when it relocates its technical labs.
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Omya's technical labs provide a variety of analytical, microbiology and segment applications services that support our customers and plants," explained Linda Pleiman, Omya's Communication Manager Region Americas. "Our current business and our future expectations require closer collaboration between our technical labs and our sales, operations and engineering groups which are located in Blue Ash."
Omya occupies the third floor of the Landings. The technical labs will be located in a separate Blue Ash facility.
Since the company moved here, Blue Ash has taken on an expanded role as Omya's Region Americas headquarters, which includes both North and South America. Omya's Region Americas employs 1,000 people and has numerous facilities, distribution companies and offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and South America. On a worldwide basis, the company has 7,000 employees and more than 100 locations in over 50 countries.
Learn more about Omya.
Photo: Omya's Region Americas headquarters at 9987 Carver Road.
Newsletter Issue: Spring 2013