Land Bank, Sebring Partner to Clear Former Manufacturing Site for Redevelopment
Read and watch more from local media outlets:
Business Journal: Long Vacant Industrial Site in Sebring Demolished
WFMJ: Former Sebring manufacturing plant demolished
WKBN: Vacant lot set for future development in Sebring
Vindicator: Blighted Sebring factory razed
Salem News: Mahoning County Land Bank partners with Sebring to demolish former factory
SEBRING, Ohio (August 14, 2026) — The Mahoning County Land Bank and Village of Sebring are working together to demolish and clean up a longtime vacant and partially collapsed former manufacturing facility, clearing the way for future redevelopment and business investment.
Demolition is underway at the approximately 4.5-acre property at 221 W. Georgia Ave.
The Mahoning County Land Bank is overseeing the project and has contracted Siegel Excavating to perform the demolition work.
The Ohio Department of Development authorized the Land Bank to direct nearly $600,000 in Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program funds toward the project. The Village of Sebring and Mahoning County Commissioners are providing local matching funds. The total project cost is approximately $640,000.
“This has been a unique opportunity to receive approval from the Ohio Department of Development to put unspent funds to work bringing new life to a property that has been an obstacle for the Village for decades,” said Debora Flora, executive director of the Mahoning County Land Bank. “It’s a great example of how we can work with local officials and leverage state funding to help revive problematic properties.”
After decades of vacancy, the industrial structure deteriorated and partially collapsed, creating longstanding property and code compliance issues. The Village of Sebring acquired the property in July 2026 following replating of the site.
The cleanup includes asbestos abatement, demolition and site restoration. Once the work is complete, the village plans to pursue redevelopment of the property to attract businesses, support economic growth and return the underutilized site to productive use.
The property has a long history of manufacturing in Sebring. Strong Enamel Works moved its operations to Sebring from Bellaire, Ohio, in 1912 and produced enameled cooking utensils, light reflectors, stove parts and military mess gear at the site until the early 1950s.
Pressweld Inc. operated there during the 1950s and 1960s, producing vintage motorized youth vehicles and racing karts, including Jack Rabbit, Track Rabbit and Bunny Rabbit quarter midgets and go-karts.
“This project removes a significant barrier to future investment in Sebring and provides a path forward for a property that has deteriorated for years,” said David Wright, mayor of Sebring. “Through this partnership with the Land Bank and Mahoning County Commissioners, and with support from state funding, we’re able to move forward and prepare this property for its next chapter.”
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