Rhodes Manufacturing, LLC Announces Expansion in Perry County

Rhodes Manufacturing, LLC, in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, and Perry County Economic Development, today announced the expansion of its Somerset facility, creating 21 new jobs.

Founded in 1977, Rhodes Manufacturing is a specialized producer of API-certified above-ground steel storage tanks, serving the oil, gas, and industrial sectors. The company was acquired by Con-V-Air USA in 2025 and offers custom fabrication, repair, installation, and associated products like walkways and ladders.

“Rhodes Manufacturing’s growth in Southeast Ohio will increase its overall production capacity and localize the production of a new product line,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “The expansion, which will nearly double the company’s employee base, demonstrates the confidence Rhodes Manufacturing has in the region’s workforce.”

The expansion includes the construction of a new building with a paint shop. With the addition of the new Con-V-Air product line, this will bring manufacturing previously completed in Canada to Ohio, centralizing their production in Perry County.

“JobsOhio’s support will enable us to significantly expand production capacity at our Ohio facility through key improvements to our blast room and paint booth operations. This investment will help us better serve customers who rely on storage tanks in their processes, while also protecting existing jobs, creating new long-term employment opportunities, and diversifying the industries we serve,” said Frédéric Noël, President of Con-V-Air. “We greatly appreciate JobsOhio’s contribution and support as we continue to grow our manufacturing operations in Ohio.”

Through this investment, the company will increase manufacturing capacity, reduce delivery times, improve responsiveness, and support long-term growth and U.S. market development.

"The Perry County Board of Commissioners applauds Rhodes Manufacturing for its continued investment in our community,” said Chase Bennett, Perry County Commissioner. “This project strengthens the company's competitiveness, creates meaningful employment opportunities, and keeps more value-added manufacturing work in Ohio. We thank Rhodes Manufacturing, JobsOhio, and Ohio Southeast Economic Development for their partnership and commitment to growing quality jobs in Perry County."

The project was supported by a $75,000 JobsOhio Grant, which promotes economic development, business expansion, and job creation by funding eligible projects.

“Rhodes Manufacturing is a prime example of how businesses can thrive and expand in Southeast Ohio,” said Matt Abbott, President and CEO of OhioSE. “With this investment, they are creating quality jobs, driving economic development, and demonstrating confidence in the talent and resources available in Perry County.”

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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.