Originally published in the Johnstown Independent
Sunday July 12, 2015 7:41 PM
Apeks Supercritical will have its grand opening ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday, July 17 at their new facility at 150 Commerce Blvd. in Johnstown.
Apeks Supercritical is a multimillion-dollar manufacturing company that has been based in Johnstown since 2001.
Andy Joseph, Apeks founder and president, said more than 100 people have responded to say they plan to attend the grand opening celebration.
With the new facility, Joseph said he expects company sales to be between $20 million and $30 million in 2015.
At the grand opening, Village Manager Jim Lenner will speak and then there will be a ribbon cutting to officially open the doors.
Tours of the $2 million manufacturing facility and demonstration of equipment will be available to the public until 5 p.m.
Joseph said they are going to use a small portion of the building for toll processing, meaning providing extraction services for local growers of lavender and hops.
“Should Ohio legalize cannabis in November we will most likely expand our toll processing facility to service the cannabis community as well,” Joseph said.
He said the grand opening is a great opportunity for the public to see what the company is all about.
“Some people are skeptical about the work that we do,” Joseph said.
“We do make ancillary equipment like extraction machines that are used by the marijuana industry,” he said. “I don’t want to deny that or hide that fact.”
Joseph said Apeks Supercritical is not directly involved with the marijuana industry.
He used the analogy that if the marijuana industry was like the gold rush then Apeks would be the company supplying the gold diggers with axes and picks.
Local businesses such as HotSpot Coffee, Bella Cakes and Country Fudge will be providing refreshments.
Apeks will also be giving away branded merchandise such as cups, drink sleeves and other trinkets.
Joseph said business continues to be good.
“Sales are on track to double our growth again this year and the new building will allow us to keep up with the increased production level,” Joseph said.
Apeks Supercritical has 20 full-time employees and had profits of $750,000 in 2012, $3.2 million in 2013 and $9 million in 2014, according to Joseph.
Joseph said he started the business in 2001 in his garage, manufacturing machines that extract botanical oils such as vanilla or lavender.
He also said Apeks Supercritical officials have a passion for giving back to the community.
“Creating jobs and opportunities and bringing revenue into the community is important to me,” Joseph said.
“My five children go to school here in Johnstown.”
Debbie Gillum Wakefield 