LEXINGTON — Charter Next Generation expects to create 125 new jobs between its Lexington and Ontario campuses within the next four years.
CNG’s communications director Katie Whalen said the 125 new positions will all be full-time with benefits, most of them focused on production line and operations work.
Whalen said CNG plans to complete the projects by 2028, adding the jobs within that timeline. The employees will earn a financial stake in the company on day one.
“True to our purpose of Enhancing Lives for a Better World, we are committed to enhancing the lives of our very own people — and that includes hiring locally from Richland County and the surrounding communities,” Whalen said.
“As our business grows, so do the opportunities and rewards for our employee-owners.”
Whalen said CNG does not currently have plans for further expansion at the Ontario campus, beyond adding four new extrusion lines.
CNG occupies 90,000 square- feet at the former General Motors plant, which Industrial Commercial Properties bought from the City of Ontario last fall.
previous reporting
CNG is a leading provider in specialty film and material science solutions. The company is planning a 157,000-square-foot expansion on the Lexington campus to accommodate 12 new film packaging lines.
Between this expansion and adding capacity at the Ontario campus, CNG plans to add 125 new positions while retaining 1,236 jobs across both locations.
The company will invest more than $106 million in facilities and advanced machinery and equipment. The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) approved the project for tax credit assistance during its Ohio Tax Credit Authority meeting March 31.
“We are honored to partner with Team NEO, JobsOhio and other local partners in the Richland County area,” said Kathy Bolhous, Chairman and CEO of Charter Next Generation. “The state and local support pledged to the project will enable us to fulfill our purpose of Enhancing Lives for a Better Future by creating meaningful opportunities that benefit our employee-owners, our neighbors, and the broader community.
“Through continued investment in innovative specialty films and material science solutions, we are proud to strengthen the local workforce, drive economic growth, and build a more resilient future. This partnership accelerates progress in sustainable solutions and infrastructure, paving the way for long-term impact.”
CNG worked closely with a team consisting of Team NEO, JobsOhio, ODOD, and the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development to ensure the expansion remained in Ohio versus other parts of the country where the company has operations.
“CNG’s new Richland County facility will bring advanced, sustainable film manufacturing technology to meet growing customer demand from the food industry nationwide,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef.
“This latest investment in Northeast Ohio demonstrates CNG’s confidence in the region’s strategic location and talented workforce as it adds 125 new jobs between its Lexington and Ontario facilities.”
Team NEO’s CEO Matt Dolan said CNG’s growth is “a reflection of the strength of our region’s thriving food processing industry and robust food supply chain assets.”
“We remain committed to collaborating closely with CNG to drive continued success,” Dolan said.
With this latest expansion, CNG continues to play a significant role in Richland County’s economy.
“We are thrilled that CNG has chosen to expand in Richland County for this incredible project,” said Richland Area Chamber President and CEO Ellen Heinz. “We are so thankful for their commitment to our area and their enormous investment in our community.
“CNG is an industry powerhouse, and we are fortunate to support such an amazing company.”
