Freeman Schwabe Machinery, a high-tech manufacturer of die cutting presses, is expanding, buying a new headquarters and manufacturing site, and planning to hire four more people. Freeman Schwabe makes machinery for the industrial die-cutting and plastic-card industries and provides parts and service for more than 12,000 of its machines around the world. The magnetic strips on the back of the Ohio drivers’ licenses, for example, are put on by a Freeman Schwabe machine, and the company is a global player in providing die-cutting machinery for automotive interior fabrics.
The firm's growth -- 100 percent in 2007 and another 35 percent in 2008 -- required a larger plant, so Freeman Schwabe recently bought a new site in Union Township with building plans that allow for eventual growth to 50,000 square feet.
"There is demand for our products throughout the world, and we required space better suited to our manufacturing and assembly needs, as well as a showplace to demonstrate our die cutting presses, machines and systems to our customers," says CEO Greg DeFisher.
In late 2006, DeFisher and others completed a management-led buyout of the Freeman Co., renaming it Freeman Schwabe Machinery (the firm had purchased the Herman Schwabe Co. out of bankruptcy in 2002.) The firm is expanding its international sales, establishing a market in China and pursuing contracts in Western Europe. FSM has recently grown from 13 to 20 employees, and is looking for four more, including two engineers.
Writer: David Holthaus
Source: Greg DeFisher, Freeman Schwabe Machinery
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