Momentive Breaks Ground on $5.8 Million Expansion

Company and elected officials broke ground for a $5.8 million, of Momentive Performance Materials that will allow the firm to increase its production of specialty ceramic powders by 50 percent.

The Lunn Road company, which now employs about 190 at its Strongsville headquarters, plans to create 10 new manufacturing jobs with the expansion, in addition to employing about 55 tradespeople for the construction.

"There is no better example of an innovative, cutting-edge company than Momentive Performance Materials," Mayor Tom Perciak said during the event. "We are thrilled they call Strongsville home."

A thunderstorm interrupted today's ceremony, forcing a makeshift groundbreaking inside a large tent. Employees quickly dumped bags of topsoil in a neat row, allowing dignitaries including U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, State Sen. Tom Patton and State Rep. Mike Dovilla to dig in for a ceremonial first shovelful.

The expansion will house equipment to produce and refine specialty boron nitride powder, which is used in the electronics, LED lighting and aerospace industries.

The powder is an ingredient in materials that transfer heat away from circuit boards, LED lighting microchips and batteries, keeping the devices cooler. It is also used in plastics and cosmetics.

Perciak said Momentive, which has been in Strongsville's industrial park since 2000, also donates to the city's Homecoming, Winter Wonderland and fireworks events, and also spends a day each year volunteering at Camp Cheerful.

The expansion is expected to be completed in December.