Wallen@communitycommon.com

Hadsell Development a longtime Portsmouth company announced Thursday, December 17 that they have purchased McGovney Ready Mix and McGovney River Transport in Portsmouth. Plans were also announced for future growth and expansion of the company.

"McGovney was getting ready to shut this place down December 31 with the loss of 16 jobs," Don Hadsell, owner and CEO of Hadsell Development said. "We have been talking to them (McGovney) for a few years, we saw an opening here for future development for Portsmouth and Southern Ohio."

He said they came to a deal to purchase the plant and will keep it open.

"This acquisition of McGovney Ready Mix and its properties, is a part of our vision for Southern Ohio," Ron Hadsell, vice president of business development for Hadsell Development said. "We will improve the capacity of McGovney River Terminals by expanding the size docks here. It will provide better loading and unloading for logistical support of local business. It maintains a reliable port facility and an important point of access to our local business."

He said that with government help Hadsell Development will make a commitment to build up to four industrial buildings for a new intermodal industrial park.

"Build it and they will come has worked for us (Hadsell Development) for years now. When the recovery takes hold, we will be well positioned to bring clients here and serve their needs," Ron Hadsell said. "We have lived here all of our lives and we want our neighbors and our fellow citizens to see that their children and grandchildren have a bright future in Southern Ohio."

Don Hadsell pointed out adjoining property that used to be the Dayton Walther Plant that needs to be cleaned up environmentally, to aid in the expansion.

"We want to try to access Clean Ohio funds to clean this section up. Can build and commit to build four 50,000 square foot buildings for industrial development. Which could produce anywhere between 200-400 jobs in Portsmouth," Don Hadsell said. "We have to have the help from all entities to clean this up. We can make this a great facility for the city of Portsmouth and Southern Ohio. It's going to be nothing but a plus for Portsmouth to get this cleaned up. The (Dayton Walther) land can be acquired for a dollar, but the cleanup is in the millions. This can be one really nice project, for the city of Portsmouth and to create jobs here. That's what we are trying to accomplish and going to accomplish."

Don said that if everything works out right the total investment in the facility and area will be $10 million dollars. Ron Hadsell said they have invested $4 million in the McGovney site already.

"We hope this is a good Christmas present for the city of Portsmouth," Don Hadsell said.