Shape Corp. recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new aluminum extrusion facility in Trenton, Ohio. (Photo: Shape Corp. via PRNewswire)
TRENTON, Ohio—Shape Corp., a manufacturer of automotive lightweighting crash management and body structure components, recently opened a new cutting-edge aluminum facility in Trenton, the company said in a release.
The opening, part of Shape’s expansion strategy, is said to reflect the company’s “commitment to multi-material solutions and delivering innovative and high quality products to its customers.” The facility also will create 170 new jobs, offering a boost to the local economy, the company said.
Spanning more than 330,000 square feet, the aluminum facility is strategically positioned in Trenton. With experienced team members in Shape’s nearby existing extrusion facility, it is well-situated to ship to Shape’s customers. The facility also allows for collaboration with technical educators in the region.
According to Shape, the advanced manufacturing space is equipped with the latest technologies and industry-leading aluminum extrusion presses and finishing machinery. These assets are said to enhance efficient production, increase capacity, and propel product development.
“The grand opening of our new aluminum facility in Trenton represents our unwavering dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction,” said Ryan DeBoer, managing director of Shape Corp.’s Aluminum Division, in a statement. “This investment not only bolsters our presence in the region, but also solidifies our commitment to offering our customers state-of-the-art and highly engineered lightweight solutions. We are thrilled to contribute to Trenton’s economy and generate new job and growth opportunities for the skilled workforce here.”
From left to right: Rick Pearce, president and CEO, Trenton/Middletown Chamber of Commerce; Kyle Verplank, executive chairperson, Shape Corp.; Tony Verplank, executive chairperson, Shape Corp.; Randy Chenault, staff assistant to Senator J.D. Vance; Ryan DeBoer, Aluminum Division managing director, Shape Corp.; Zach Bohannon, senior field representative for Congressman Warren Davidson; and Mark White, president and CEO, Shape Corp. (Photo: Shape Corp. via PRNewswire)
Shape said it has built upon nearly 50 years of experience to innovatively tailor its strategy towards the creation of high-strength, tight tolerance aluminum extrusions for automotive components. By prioritizing the production of extrusions with thin, constant wall thicknesses and complex geometries, Shape is “effectively producing unique and optimal solutions for the automotive marketplace,” the company said.
Local officials are said to have warmly received Shape Corp.’s expansion. Trenton Vice Mayor Ryan Perry expressed his enthusiasm about the new facility.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shape Corp.’s aluminum facility to our community,” he said in the release. “This high-tech facility represents a significant economic windfall for Trenton, and it’s a big step towards nurturing the growth of manufacturing in our city. We are confident that their investment will spur our local economy and offer additional opportunities for our residents.”
In recognition of the company’s significant contribution to the local community, Trenton Mayor Calvin Woodrey proclaimed June 22, 2023, as “Shape Corp. Day.” The Mayor’s proclamation reinforced the importance of Shape’s investment in Trenton and its positive impact on the local economy, the company said.
Shape Corp. is an automotive engineering and manufacturing company that provides advanced crash management and body structure solutions using ultra-high strength steel roll forming, tight tolerance aluminum extrusions, and large tonnage injection molding. The company said that it specializes in producing lightweight and innovative products that maximize performance while minimizing environmental impact.