GALION — Schilling Graphics on Gelsanliter Road in Galion is not a new addition to town. But their custom-made machine invented to prepare specialized aluminum frames is. The invention has been hidden in their shop for almost two years.
The company decided to celebrate its full-functioning location, which used to be Charlie’s Market, by cutting a ceremonial ribbon Wednesday morning.
“It’s been in development for two years,” explained Marketing/Administration Assistant Miranda Jones of the machine without a name. When asked why it does not have a name, Jones replied, “Because we invented it.”
Schilling Graphics provides pre-press services to the screen printing industry. They manufacture aluminum frames that hold stencils for glass products in the architectural and automotive industries, primarily.
When Schilling Graphics were expanding their company in Galion back in late 2013, they needed space for their aluminum frames. The frames function as stencil fashioning mechanisms for glass etchings.
In order to ensure a smooth fashioning, the frames need cleaned and prepped. Enter the machine without a name.
“That’s what I love about working here,” Jones said. “They are always researching and developing ways to make our products better and stay competitive.”
Chief Executive Officer Doug Schilling, son of founder Dave Schilling, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“It’s just good to be able to reinvest in our community, the city has always been so supportive of our company,” Schilling said. The company was founded by his father in 1962 in his Galion home.
Today, the company employs 84 people, 65 of which are located in Galion. One campus is located in Minnesota and another in California.
“The machine was how we figured we could continue to automate our process and stay competitive in the industry. We plan to keep growing and hopefully that translates into more jobs in the future,” Schilling said.
Schilling Graphics has produced its products for projects like glass etchings for the Dallas Cowboy stadium, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City and others. Galion’s location works primarily in the automotive glass industry.
“You know that black band you’ll see on your windshield? We make those,” Schilling said.
For more information on Schilling Graphics, visit their website or call 419-468-5794.
