Innovative Technology Company Eyes Stow Location

A growing technology company, now based in Akron, is considering a move to Stow and is looking for a larger site to expand the business.

Polyflow LLC uses a process that takes all types of mixed and contaminated plastic and rubber waste, including tires and carpeting, and converts them into a liquid that then is used to make other marketable products and materials. The technology was invented in the early 1980s by a member of his team, CEO Jay Schabel said.

“They came to us a couple of years ago. We liked the concept they were working on,” said Mike Weddle, Stow economic development coordinator.

The Ohio Third Frontier Advanced Energy Program has recommended a $1.6 million grant to Polyflow. Final approval for this grant is expected within weeks, Weddle said.

In support of the grant, Mayor Karen Fritschel participated in the company’s three presentations to the Third Frontier Program. The state grant requires the amount be matched by additional funds from a private investor, Weddle said.

“On the horizon, their upside potential is tremendous. The benefits that accrue to Stow, and the nation as a whole, would include a diversion of polymer waste from our landfill facilities into a marketable and valuable end product," said Weddle. "Secondarily, the end product derived through the Polyflow process is one means the nation can use to relieve us from our dependence on foreign oil sources."

The final component is that the company has a national defense component because the process "can be deployed to various defense locations around the world and it provides a means of generating fuel for defense-related vehicles,” he said.

Fritschel said other Stow businesses have expressed interest in Polyflow’s potential to process their waste material.

“The good news is, it will not affect the air or environment in Stow; it will be self-contained,” Fritschel said. 

With its current operations limited to a 10-foot by 30-foot facility in Akron, the company processes 200 pounds of polymer waste material in an hour. When fully operational in a larger, 50,000-square-foot facility, Schabel estimates Polyflow would process 5,000 pounds in an hour.

Initially, the company will employ eight staff about a year from now.

Although there are other cities Polyflow could be partnering with, Stow leaders have been "exceptionally receptive and supportive" of its endeavors, Schabel said.

“It’s because of their desire to participate in this. Plenty of communities shy away from new things, but not Stow. And, I see this as the growing sector of business and employment, technical expertise and profitability around the world,” Schabel said.