Area Development
Franklin International Inc., one of the nation’s largest privately held manufacturers of adhesives and sealants, plans to expand its presence in Columbus, Ohio.

The company will invest $4.4 million to construct a new 12,500-square-foot R&D facility at its corporate headquarters, add climate chambers and purchase new research equipment.

Franklin International will hire eight new employees, including highly-skilled chemists and process engineers. At the new R&D operation, Franklin International plans to formulate new polymers, produce next-generation adhesives and innovate manufacturing technologies to increase production efficiencies for the company.

“This new facility will increase our ability to bring new products to the market and a location in Columbus allows us to be globally competitive,” said Evan Williams, President & COO of Franklin International. “We are proud of our longstanding history in Columbus and are pleased to be able to offer new job opportunities.”

Franklin International has been based in Columbus since 1935, specializing in emulsion polymerization and producing adhesives for industrial manufacturers of wood products, labels and fiberglass. The company offers the latest environmentally friendly technology and devotes a high percentage of the company’s resources to improving its R&D capabilities. Franklin International’s global distribution network is spread across 60 countries on six continents.

“Franklin International has been a strong employer in the City of Columbus for three generations now,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “The company’s decision to establish its R&D operations here reinforces our city as a home for innovation and new technologies.”