GALION — Shutterfly Inc. has announced a $23 million investment in Ontario and Galion that will create 100 new full-time jobs and $3.3 million in new annual payroll over the next three years.
Shutterfly is a photography and product company that makes prints, photo books, cards and other custom items. The company’s current manufacturing facility currently provides nearly 200 jobs and $5.9 million in annual payroll.
According to Sondra Harding, senior director or corporate communications for Shutterfly, new jobs will be available in customer support, administration, production, maintenance and management.
“Our business is deeply connected to the local labor market and the Galion community, and we’re pleased to provide stability for current employees while expanding in the future,” said Dave Bull, vice president of manufacturing.
Expansion efforts are expected to begin right away, with production of Shutterfly products scheduled to start at the facility next spring. Shutterfly will be increasing its operations in Galion and opening a new office facility in Ontario.
Shutterfly gained the Galion facility in 2018 as part of its acquisition of photography company Lifetouch. The facility is currently a manufacturing site for Lifetouch Preschool, Church and Studios products. With the new investment, it will expand to include a range of Shutterfly products, such as personalized photo books, calendars, cards and wall art.
Shutterfly purchased its new Ontario site, 2300 West Fourth Street, earlier this year. The former home of Christian bookstore “The Bookery” will serve as an office space supporting the manufacturing facility in Galion and the home of a Lifetouch Church business line.
The expansion of Shutterfly’s facility was supported in part by a grant from JobsOhio. In addition, the Ohio Development Services Agency approved a 1.099 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit.
According to a press release, Shutterfly selected the Crawford County plant for expansion in part due to the region’s competitive business climate and highly skilled labor pool.
In addition to growing production, the expansion may also mean quicker deliveries for local Shutterfly customers.
“A key element of our overall manufacturing strategy is to bring production closer to our customers across the country with the goal of increasing efficiency and speed,” said Harding.
