Delaware County’s Merit Tool Invests in Machining Center

Merit Tool & Mfg. Inc., which is located in the Delaware County town of Eaton, is investing nearly $140,000 for new equipment. The company, which provides custom machined tooling, gauging, detail parts and assemblies, is purchasing a Vertical Machining Center, a type of CNC controller for milling, drilling, tapping and boring.

Merit Tool says it plans to add two employees to its 13-person workforce to operate the new machinery.

Merit Tool founder Phil Reber says the Delaware County commissioners, Delaware County Economic Development and the town of Eaton supported the project.

“They do a great job in facilitating local business and government entities to come together and accomplish tax abatement and assistance, supplying answers of what needs to be done and to provide support for local businesses to maintain and develop employment opportunities for the local community,” Phil Reber said about Delaware County officials.

The company says the equipment will also allow it to finish a project for a current customer, as well as offer additional machining work for others.

“The town board was delighted to learn that Merit Tool will continue to add and update the machinery at their facility,” said Eaton Town Board President Daniel Blankinship. “We’re proud of the jobs they provide in our community and they always keep their buildings and grounds looking good. We’ll always do what we can to ensure Merit Tool knows that the town of Eaton sincerely appreciates their continued investment.”

Merit Tool supplies custom tooling to utility equipment makers and food processing equipment manufacturers, among other industrial users.