Brockport Glass Components LLC Elk County
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When it was announced that Brockway Mould, Inc. would be closing its plant at the end of 2012, James Geer and Kevin Grecco were notified their jobs would be lost when the company shut its doors. Upon receiving the news, James and Kevin began planning how they could put their skills and experience to work. The closure of Brockway Mould created a gap in the glass molding equipment industry and the two men saw an opportunity for a successful venture.
Mr. Geer, of Kersey, and Mr. Grecco, of Brockway, founded the new Brockport Glass Components. The company produces glass mold equipment, specifically guide and neck rings, to companies in the glass container industry. The company also has the capacity to produce custom machined parts for other needs, such as the oil and gas industry.
Mr. Geer has over 25 years of experience in the custom machining industry. He was a Shift Supervisor at Brockway Mould, in charge of 60 employees, daily shipping schedules, and handling customer relations. Mr. Grecco worked at Brockway Mould for 27 years as a machine operator, including lathes, horizontal mills, and CNC machines. Combined they bring expansive knowledge of custom machining, sales, customer relations, and logistics.
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Mr. Geer and Mr. Grecco approached the Clarion University Small Business Development Center in October of 2012, after hearing about its services from their PREP partner, North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission located in Ridgway. The consultants at the SBDC assisted Mr. Geer and Mr. Grecco in developing a comprehensive business plan for Brockport Glass Components. The business plan was instrumental in helping the owners secure financing to start the company.
The proposal for Brockport Glass Components was successful. In March, the owners secured a commercial term loan of $135,000 and a $50,000 line of credit. The company also secured a Small Business First state loan in the amount of $100,000. That financing was used to purchase equipment, fund its three-phase power installation, install a computer system, and purchase small tools.
In September 2013, exactly one year after the two men were laid off from their jobs, Brockport Glass Components recorded $94,000 in sales during their first month of operation. They currently employ one other individual, who works as a quality control technician and sales manager. In addition, the business outsources machine tooling and CNC programming to two local businessmen. The company fills the need for glass molding in the region and has become a key supplier to the glass industry.
The SBDC provided us with the assistance and resources to guide us with our start-up business. Amy Keth’s personal commitment went beyond our expectations providing us with daily communication and the research necessary to create our business plan. We personally feel those considering a new business would greatly benefit by contacting the SBDC. We are very proud of our Company and its progress and consider Amy a part of the Brockport Glass Component team."
– James Geer and Kevin Grecco
Owners
