Dayton manufacturer discusses growth amid search for new space

A growing, family-owned group of manufacturing companies is looking at another successful year in 2023. The company will balance their continued momentum with workforce needs and a search for more space.

FC Industries Partner and President Mike Casella sat down with DBJ to discuss the latest amid opportunities and challenges for growth. FC Industries covers a variety of manufacturing sectors through its five companies: AFC Tool Company, AFCS, Barsplice products, Dayton Precision Aerospace and MC Coating.

What’s the latest with the company?

In March, FC Industries acquired Miamisburg Coating and their 15,000-square-foot warehouse at 925 N. Main St. in Miamisburg. The company joined FC Industries’ manufacturing division and was rebranded as MC Coating Inc.

“We have added MC Coating to our family of companies and intend to grow this new subsidiary by introducing epoxy coating services to our existing customer base. In addition, we are quickly exceeding the space in our current facility and actively investigating options for additional space.”

“We are leaving our options open for whether we lease a new facility or build on our existing property. We are in the process of identifying additional expansion space in the range of 50,000 to 100,000 square feet.”

FC Industries

Revenue 2022: $78 million (a 15.9% increase from 2021’s $67.3 million)

Local employment: 315

Headquarters: 4900 Webster St. in Dayton

Founded: 1972

FC Industries has seen 16% growth in the last year. What do you attribute growth to?

“We have 5 manufacturing divisions that work alongside each other and contribute to our diversity and strengths. Each division focuses on a different aspect of metal manufacturing and the needs of specialized industries. For example, BarSplice Products Inc., our division that makes mechanical splicing solutions for reinforced concrete, is benefiting from the infrastructure bill now creating demand from the construction companies who use our products.”

What is your projected growth for 2023? What are some avenues and opportunities you see for growth?

“We are forecasting 7% growth. AFC Tool Company and Dayton Precision Aerospace are our two divisions that are approved for aerospace and DoD work. We have the experience, the skill, and projects already in the pipeline. As a result, we are prepared to meet the expected increases in military airplane production, rocket parts, and artillery parts over the coming months.”

Casella anticipates hiring an additional 15-20 employees in 2023. Despite workforce challenges, FC Industries will continue to pursue workers through job fairs, high school recruitment, working with recruiters and other interactive events.

“Since we are projecting 7% growth, we know that we will need more people to get this work completed and in the hands of our customers. Our company was founded in Dayton, and we continue to call Dayton our home. All our new jobs will be hired for our Dayton facility.”

To combat challenges, Casella also anticipates continuing to grow workers from within the company through training.

“We live by the logic that our employees can improve their lives from the opportunities that we provide. When they choose to leave us one day, they should be better off than when they arrived. Our hope is that our employees will choose to retire from FC Industries because we’re working together for their success. Plus, Dayton is a great place to live, work, and raise your family!”

With a family of companies in various industry sectors, which areas are seeing the biggest increases or decreases in demand? Have you had to alter processes or materials due to market conditions to meet consumer needs?

Of their five families of companies, one is seeing a major boost in demand. Casella said BarSplice Products, a designer and manufacturer of mechanical splicing and anchorage systems for the reinforcing steel industry, is seeing large, rapid increases due to the infrastructure bill now being spent.

“As a result, we adjusted to steel allocations, potential supply chain disruptions, and long lead times by working closely with our customers to help predict their needs. We also increased our own inventories; gambling on expected future needs based on history. Our philosophy is 'Those who have it sell it!'"

“We are a resilient family business with a long history in Dayton. We are continuing to build our presence in the area while serving customers globally. Our talented employees and strong family leadership ensure that we are well positioned to take on future challenges.”