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OPINIONS
Editorial: Ironton firm finds success with talent, innovation
When Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland visited our region last week, he heard an impressive presentation about an innovative and expanding Tri-State company.
Modular Security Systems, founded by Rob and Dave Slagel five years ago, converts shipping containers into security entrances for military posts, nuclear plants and other businesses. They remodel the containers with turnstiles and other security equipment, and then units can easily be shipped anywhere in the world, including military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The company has 56 employees in Ohio and Kentucky and conducts business around the globe, all from an office on North Second Street in Ironton.
What were the keys to success for the Slagels? An innovative idea, good talented people and the Internet, they say.
"We market globally from right here in Southern Ohio," Rob Slagel said. "With the Internet, it doesn't matter where businesses are located. We have a good workforce and good people. The skilled labor here is excellent."
Strickland noted that the company's success underscores the importance of an educated skilled workforce, and he is right.
Too often in our region the attitude has been, "there are no jobs, so why go to school." But it is time to realize that if we go to school and gain the skills, it can help bring the jobs.
"Now companies choose to locate in a state based upon which state has the most talented and innovative workforce that will enable the company to grow and expand their operations," Strickland said.
These are some of the same ideas that were being discussed at the recent Create West Virginia conference, which stressed the importance of our home-grown, bright talented people who can create their own businesses.
It is hard to find a better example of that idea than the Slagels' operation in Ironton. Improving our workforce, creating a business-friendly atmosphere and retaining our native talent can be a real recipe for a better economy.
