Responding to high demand for toys and home products, Step2 Co. LLC has expanded manufacturing and distribution capacity with the acquisition of rotational molding equipment assets from CI Rotomolding USA in Decatur, GA. Step2 is also sub-leasing the Decatur facility from CI Rotomolding.

“Families are spending more time at home during this pandemic. As such, many are looking for a variety of active indoor and outdoor play experiences for children while also seeking outdoor comforts to entertain and relax at home,” said Tony Ciepiel, CEO of Step2 Co., which is based in Streetsboro, OH. “The acquisition of these roto-molding machines and other manufacturing and operational equipment will help us meet this demand and stimulate the US economy in the process.”

The Decatur facility, under the management of Chris Price, has a leadership team with more than 40 years’ experience in the roto-molding space. It has been running since mid-July, manufacturing classic toys like the top-selling Neat & Tidy Cottage as well as new, innovative products in the toy and outdoor home categories.

“The already established and proven operating standards and processes of Step2’s Cleveland-area operations are being implemented in Decatur to support a quick start-up and ensure consistency in employee experience and manufacturing quality,” Ciepiel added.

Currently, Step2 is actively hiring, offering competitive packages for manufacturing and office roles in Ohio and Georgia. In particular, the company is seeking roto operators, powder handlers, and assemblers. Step2 plans to add 150 to 175 employees to its Decatur roster, and expects to hire 100 employees for its Cleveland-area plants.