ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — Advantage Tent Fittings, Inc., a family-owned manufacturer in Ross County, has successfully grown its business and community impact thanks to a strategic investment and valuable partnerships.
In 2020, the company received a combined $80,000 grant from JobsOhio Inclusion Grant and JEDISCO’s Flour-BWXT Opportunity Fund. This enabled them to purchase a state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) vinyl sealing machine, upgrading their production capabilities and opening doors to new markets.
Previously, Advantage Tent Fittings manufactured commercial and military tent components, event rental products, and custom-sewn items. The new machine, however, expanded their horizons significantly. “The RF welding machine uses electromagnetic energy to fuse materials at a molecular level,” explains Ben Hall, President. “This allows us to create more complex patterns and cater to diverse needs.”
The investment proved particularly timely during the pandemic. By pivoting production, Advantage Tent Fittings manufactured vinyl privacy partitions for vaccination sites and medical settings, contributing to essential safety measures.
“The new machine has greatly expanded our manufacturing capabilities and enabled us to diversify into new markets that we could not have accommodated before,” said Hall. “This includes the manufacture of equipment used by emergency responders, military, and in medical settings. We also recently launched a new operating division that offers cut, seal and sew manufacturing services for other companies.”
Beyond immediate production improvements, the new equipment also upskills existing jobs, making the manufacturing sector more attractive to potential employees.
The success story of Advantage Tent Fittings serves as a powerful example of how strategic investments and collaborative partnerships can empower small businesses to thrive, creating a positive impact on their communities and the wider economy.