 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
Executive Director Tom Blaha of the WCEDC, who hosted the event, observed that the transaction represented the "marriage, not just of two companies from either side of the Atlantic, but of two prime tenets of the WCEDC's mandate-homegrown business and the global marketplace." The WCEDC has worked extensively with Sun Seed, its principal owner Brent Weinmann, and his predecessor Les Gonda over the past two decades. The homegrown company's successes over the years have not only grown jobs in rural Wood County, but have gained attention for the privately held company and its unique pet products in the global marketplace. That includes the attention of Vitakraft, a family-owned giant in the pet food industry which has grown worldwide from its base in Bremen, Germany since it started out in 1837. Signing the documents with Sun's Brent Weinmann of Bowling Green, Ohio was Vitakraft's Chairman Heiko Wuehrmann, whose family has owned Vitakraft for five generations. Representatives of Vitakraft had been over on previous visits to meet with Sun, as well as with representatives of Wood County and the Ohio Department of Development (also hosted by the WCEDC), but the "wedding trip"-direct to the Bowling Green, Ohio offices of the WCEDC from his international flight into Detroit Metro airport--represented Mr. Wuehrmann's very first trip to the United States. The good news from Wood County's standpoint is that the two companies will be combined to form Vitakraft Sun Seed Company which will operate from Sun's rural location on Long Judson Road in Wood County's Washington Township. The merger serves the mutual strategic interests of both companies and will draw from the management capabilities of both. Andy Messinger, Vitakraft's General Manager will become CEO of Vitakraft Sun Seed, while Sun's Brent Weinmann will be president of the new company. Vitakraft's product line will be moved to Wood County bringing total employment at the plant near Weston up to 100 jobs over the next two years. The company's product line will include foods and treats for birds and small animals, dog treats, horse treats, and pond and reptile products. The firm will actively market both the Sun Seed and Vitakraft brands throughout North America. At the conclusion of the signing and a champagne toast to further success, the group moved a few hundred feet south on Dunbridge Road to Snook's Antique Car Museum for a reception co-hosted by the Wood County Economic Development Commission and Sun Seed. Amongst the dignitaries who turned out to welcome Mr. & Mrs. Wuehrmann and their business party were Robert Abrahams, Foreign Trade Advisor from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Wood County Commissioners, Andy Lorenz of Congressman Latta's office, Dr. Geoffrey Howes of Bowling Green State University, Mayor Emeritus of Bowling Green Wes Hoffman, and WCEDC Associate Director Wade Gottschalk. A classic car enthusiast and collector himself, Mr. Wuehrmann enjoyed looking at Snooks' extensive collection of vintage cars and motorsport memorabilia. County Commissioners Carter and Brown presented him with a proclamation welcoming his company to Wood County, and Mr. Lorenz presented him with framed letters from Rep. Latta, one in English and one in German thanks to translation help from Professor Howes. The transaction leads to further diversification in Wood County's economic base while continuing to elevate its profile in the international marketplace, and providing jobs in its rural areas. |
