SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – Last week, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) and Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15) visited Silfex, Gabe’s Distribution Center, and Clark State College. They toured the facilities, met with employees, and saw firsthand how these three local organizations are integral to Clark County. Congressmen Turner and Carey both represent Clark County in the House of Representatives and have worked together to support businesses in Southwest Ohio.

“Congressman Carey and I have portions of Clark County in each of our districts, but we have partnered with one another to make certain that Southwest Ohio's entrepreneurs are well-represented in Washington,” said Congressman Mike Turner. “It’s always important for Members of Congress to get a firsthand look at the main drivers of innovation and economic growth in our communities, and I am grateful to Congressman Carey for joining me here today in Springfield to see the great work being done.” 

“I’m proud to see all the new economic growth in Clark County,” said Congressman Mike Carey. “From new distribution centers to a state-of-the-art precision component manufacturing plant at Silfex, Clark County has positioned itself with smart policies and expanded educational opportunities at Clark State College to take advantage of the economy of the 21st century. I’m committed to doing all I can in Congress to build on this success.”

Reps. Mike Turner and Mike Carey tour Silfex facilities in Clark CountyReps. Mike Turner and Mike Carey tour Silfex facilities in Clark County.
Reps. Mike Turner and Mike Carey tour Gabe's Distribution CenterReps. Mike Turner and Mike Carey tour Gabe's Distribution Center.
From left to right: Mike McDorman (President and CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce), Rep. Mike Turner (OH-10), Rick Szurlej (Senior VP of Supply Chain), Jason Mazzola (President and CEO of Gabe's), Rep. Mike Carey (OH-15), Leah Guldig (Chief Marketing Officer), and Horton Hobbs (VP of Economic Development, Greater Springfield Partnership)From left to right: Mike McDorman (President and CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce), Rep. Mike Turner (OH-10), Rick Szurlej (Senior VP of Supply Chain), Jason Mazzola (President and CEO of Gabe's), Rep. Mike Carey (OH-15), Leah Guldig (Chief Marketing Officer), and Horton Hobbs (VP of Economic Development, Greater Springfield Partnership)
Reps. Mike Turner and Mike Carey tour Sweet Manufacturing Center at Clark State College.Reps. Mike Turner and Mike Carey tour Sweet Manufacturing Center at Clark State College.
Reps. Mike Turner and Mike Carey with the President of Clark State College, Dr. Jo Alice Blondin.Reps. Mike Turner and Mike Carey with the President of Clark State College, Dr. Jo Alice Blondin.

Background:

Silfex is the leading provider of precision components for making and operating semiconductor manufacturing equipment – enabling the trillion-dollar global electronics industry. 

The company’s products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets. 

A wholly owned subsidiary of Lam Research, Silfex is the world’s largest custom silicon components growing and manufacturing facility.

Congressmen Turner and Carey have been strong advocates for the semiconductor industry, supporting the final passage of the CHIPS Plus Science Act when it passed the House of Representatives last summer. It was signed into law in August 2022.

The CHIPS Plus Science Act was aimed at reinvigorating domestic semiconductor manufacturing and is critical in reducing the American economy’s dependence on the Chinese Communist Party. The legislation funds grant programs for domestic semiconductor manufacturers. 

Founded in 1961 in Morgantown, West Virginia, Gabe’s is a leading off-price retailer offering top brands and more for less.

In October 2021, Gabe’s announced a new distribution center in Springfield, Ohio, at the PrimeOhio II Industrial Park at 1801 Prime Parkway. 

Today, Gabe’s Distribution Center is the largest facility of its kind in Clark County and plays a crucial role in Southwest Ohio’s economy. 

Clark State College is a public community college that opened in 1962 as a Technical Education Program.

As of 2018, the school was approved for bachelor’s degrees in manufacturing technology to prepare for emerging companies such as EVTOL, Honda, and Intel that are coming to the state.