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Longtime industrial company continues to thrive
Larry A. Boville Sr. first opened Boville Industrial Coatings, Inc. in Barberton in 1970. Since then, his business has grown substantially, leading him to relocate to a larger facility on Leichty Road in Smithville. He and his son, Larry Jr., run things, with the help of about 20 employees. The jobs range from production painting to coating military armored plates, with over 200,000 parts being processed each year. One of the biggest clients is the U.S. military.
Published: May 22, 2012
It began as one man’s dream over 40 years ago, but today Boville Industrial Coatings, Inc. is a thriving business, providing services to many big-name clients, including the U.S. government.
Located at 7459 Leichty Rd., in Smithville, Larry A. Boville Sr. first opened in Barberton in 1970.
“Painting and sandblasting are my life,” said Boville. “I started off working for Akron Sand Blast in 1959 but I decided I wanted to open my own business. There was space available at a Barberton location, so I started my business in the back of their company.”
When he began he was doing everything himself, but Boville said the business grew rapidly, allowing him to add employees, and eventually requiring him to find a new and larger space.
He chose his current location in Smithville, where he has remained since 1996. The site was once a chicken farm, and is currently in a light industrial district far enough away from people’s homes to ensure that there are no complaints.
“At one time we had 165 clients, ran two shifts and had 40 employees, but now we have about 60 clients, one shift, and maybe 20 people working for us,” said Boville.
The jobs range from production painting to coating military armored plates, with over 200,000 parts being processed each year.
One of the biggest clients is the U.S. military, but the company also does work for many local companies with plants in northeast Ohio, including PACCAR, JLG, and Will-Burt. They also serve companies throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
There have been changes over the years, including the fact that the term sandblasting no longer applies since OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) prohibits sand as a blasting media.
“Now we use StarBlast, which is a byproduct of titanium and found to be safer for the environment and employees,” Boville said.
“I really like painting. I think it’s neat to take an old frame of a car, for example, abrasive blast it with StarBlast, paint it and make it look brand new,” said Boville, who explained that car frames are not a normal item done by the company.
“Barberton has an old cannon that we are going to restore this summer at no cost,” said Boville. “I used to play on it when I was a kid.”
As much as Boville enjoys the labor portion of the business, these days he said he spends his time in the office, ensuring that the company is complying with legal and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.
“I quit abrasive blasting when I was 67,” said Boville, who is 73. “Now I spend my time monitoring the chemicals and making sure they are disposed of properly, as well as dealing with the company’s fire safety plan.”
While all three of his sons helped out with the business when they were growing up, Larry Junior has essentially taken the reigns from his father.
“When I turned 10 I started answering the phones,” said Boville Jr. “By the time I was 16, I was helping dad to run our business.
“I used to spend a lot of time on the floor, but as the crew became more experienced, my physical abilities were not needed as much, so now I spend more time in the office operating our business.
“I really liked the physical part, so I still try and spend time on the floor when I can,” said the younger Boville.
Another part of his job has been grooming plant manager, Chad Enkemann, to fill his shoes when he retires, not that he plans to any time soon.
“I really like it here,” said Enkemann, who started around 15 years ago. “When I started it was me, Larry senior and Larry junior. I’ve watched it change, go through some hard times, and grow.
“I’ve gotten to wear many hats, and every day is different. I’d be happy to take the business over one day.”
Enkemann is not the only longtime employee. Shannon Hitchings has been around for over seven years. She serves as backup plant manager as well as handling quality control.
“I like what I do,” said Hitchings, who is the only female on the production floor.
“My primary responsibility is quality control, but I pitch in where I’m needed.”
She said her priority is to make sure customer specifications are achieved.
“I also assist with payroll, handle receiving and shipping and a variety of other things,” said Hitchings.
“This company has the best family atmosphere of any place that I’ve ever worked. The bosses (Larry Jr. and Larry Sr.) really care about their employees, and everyone works together as a team.”
Boville Industrial Coatings has had its ups and downs over the years, including the economic downturn, but things are looking up.
“For three years in a row, we have struggled due to the downturn. Now we’re starting to make a profit again,” said Boville Sr., who added that the secret to staying around is simple.
“Don’t get greedy. I never take any money out of the company, and I never cheat anyone. Whatever price I quote, I stand behind it, and the customer can count on it.”
“Quality and service is most important,” said Boville Jr.