Custom Bus and Truck Panels, Co. Announces Expansion in Carroll County

Custom Bus and Truck Panels, Co., in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, and the Village of Minerva, today announced the expansion of its Minerva facility, creating 4 new jobs.

Founded in 2007, Custom Bus and Truck Panels Co.is a specialized producer of parts that help mechanics and body shops prepare buses for annual inspections. The company has more than 45 years of experience in the school bus industry, specializing in the design and manufacture of replacement body parts for Blue Bird, Thomas, International, and Amtran school buses.

“Custom Bus and Truck Panels has been proud to call Minerva its home, this expansion is the next step in the growth of our company,” said Anthony Rocco, President of Custom Bus and Truck Panels. “Our goal has always been to manufacture high quality school bus replacement parts right here in Ohio while providing our customers with the parts they need to keep their buses safe and on the road. With the support of JobsOhio this investment will allow us to expand our manufacturing capabilities, create additional jobs, and continue offering custom machine, fabrication, and welding services for our local area.”

Custom Bus and Truck Panels reached the limits of its current production capacity just as significant new business materialized. The company is investing over $300,000 to address three areas: new production equipment, revitalization of underutilized space within the existing facility, and the acquisition and renovation of an adjacent building at 207 S Main Street in Minerva, Ohio.

These investments will allow Custom Bus and Truck Panels to rapidly scale production, fulfill new manufacturer contracts, and position the company for sustained long-term growth.

“Custom Bus and Truck Panels has been a steady, homegrown employer in Minerva for nearly two decades, and this expansion is a great example of an established manufacturer scaling to meet real market demand," said Lynda Wickline, Economic Development Director, Carroll County. "We're proud to support their growth, and we appreciate the partnership with JobsOhio and OhioSE in making these investments possible. Every new job at a company like this strengthens the local economy and reinforces Minerva and Carroll Counties’ place in Ohio's manufacturing supply chain."

The project was supported by a $50,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant. The JobsOhio Small Business Grant offers financial assistance to eligible small businesses in Ohio looking to grow their operations. To qualify, the company must have an eligible project and meet business size and industry requirements.

"It is exciting to see a dedicated local manufacturer like Custom Bus and Truck Panels expand its operations and create new jobs in Carroll County," said Matt Abbott, President and CEO of OhioSE. "Their work in Minerva plays a critical role in supporting transportation infrastructure while reinforcing our region's industrial strength. OhioSE and its local and state partners are pleased to back their growth as they expand their facility and prepare for long-term success."

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Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.