ORRVILLE,

Ohio - Venture Products, Inc. is expanding its Orrville location, adding 121 new jobs by fall 2018 and a new $5.5 million, 135,000-square-foot facility to accommodate the company's rapid growth in designing and making tractor equipment.

While site preparation is under way, construction on the facility is expected to start in the spring and be completed by late fall.

Jeff Dimos,

vice president

of finance and operations, said

is growing rapidly, adding 70 jobs in 2017. The business, which has about 220 employees, plans to add manufacturing, assembly and warehousing jobs next year.

"We've been really blessed," he said today. "We have a great team and ownership here. I'm not part of the family that owns the business, but we have a cultural family. I can tell you that. We're all part of the family."

A typical 4500 Ventrac with a mower attachment and a Tilmor Tractor, designed and manufactured by Orrville-based Venture Products

"Due to increased worldwide demand for our product and the release of new products, this expansion will enable Venture to continue providing top-quality equipment to customers in a timely manner," Randy Kitzmiller, Venture Products president and

COO,

said in a statement.

Representatives from Team

NEO,

JobsOhio, Wayne Economic Development Council, and the city of Orrville collaborated with the Venture Products leadership team to help plan the expansion.

"Along with our partners at JobsOhio and Wayne Economic Development Council, we welcome Venture Products' expansion, which positions Orrville as its global headquarters and the center of all operations," said Team

NEO CEO

Bill Koehler in a press release. "Northeast Ohio continues to be an ideal location for advanced manufacturing companies seeking proximity to markets, partners and customers. We are committed to helping companies find new ways to innovate. That's why we are particularly delighted that Venture Products will remain rooted in our region as it expands."

Mike Hedberg, manager of the Orrville Economic Development office, added in the press release, "Venture Products' growth in Orrville and Wayne County is well-deserved. The company places great emphasis on delivering a quality product to its global customers. Venture's exceptional leadership and commitment to innovation have played, and will continue to play, a key role in the company's success."