LIBERTY — Litco International has relocated its crating division to a new 43,000-square-foot facility in the Ohio Commerce Center on Tod Avenue in Lordstown nearly tripling its previous 14,000-square-foot operation in Vienna to better serve customers with custom packaging and inventory management.

Litco representatives said the move provides significantly more space for producing larger custom crates and handling oversized loads for industries such as steel manufacturing, heavy equipment, HVAC and industrial parts. The expanded footprint also improves workflow efficiency and material handling in a safer environment.

“This move is a direct result of the growth we’ve experienced in our crating division,” said Nick Gallo, general manager. “The additional space lets us scale production and improve efficiency.”

Litco plans to add four new positions to support a recent local contract and ongoing demand. Representatives said the facility filled quickly in its first week leading to talks of potentially adding another 20,000 square feet.

At the same time, the company is showcasing its new point-of-purchase pressed-wood pallet prototypes, manufactured from recycled wood fibers.

Designed for grocery stores and retail displays, these pallets are nail-free and splinter-resistant, making them safer for workers building displays and gentler on store floors. They are also nestable for compact storage.

Ben Timmins, vice president of sales, said the innovation solves real customer problems. “There’s no nails used in assembling the product. And it’s all made out of wood fiber, so there’s no large splinters.”

With lumber prices rising, Litco representatives explained that the engineered molded wood pallets offer greater price stability, export compliance and consistency for automated systems compared to traditional hardwood pallets.

Litco also produces corrugated load securement products in Warren as recyclable, cost-effective alternatives to petroleum-based materials like stretch wrap and vinyl airbags amid volatile oil prices.