COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a major boost to regional advanced manufacturing and environmental infrastructure, Calgon Carbon Corporation has announced a nearly $100 million investment to significantly expand and modernize its existing facility in East Columbus.
The expansion at 835 North Cassady Avenue will add 27 million pounds of annual drinking water carbon reactivation capacity to the plant. The project is specifically designed to help municipal water utilities nationwide meet accelerating compliance demands for treating PFAS, the long-lasting “forever chemicals,” ahead of strict new federal regulatory deadlines.
The multi-million dollar expansion, backed by Japan-based parent company Kuraray Co., Ltd., is projected to create 17 new high-paying jobs while reinforcing the long-term role of the facility’s existing 42-person workforce. Operations at the upgraded facility are expected to begin in early 2028.
Meeting a National Clean Water Priority
Pittsburgh-based Calgon Carbon is a global leader in manufacturing granular activated carbon and advanced water treatment technologies. The carbon reactivation process at the Columbus plant involves taking spent carbon from municipal water systems, thermally cleaning it to destroy contaminants like PFAS, and restoring it so it can be reused safely. This circular system slashes carbon footprint emissions by up to 80% compared to producing virgin carbon and keeps used material entirely out of landfills.
“Our customers are preparing for the largest regulatory shift in drinking water treatment in a generation,” said Steve Schott, President and CEO of Calgon Carbon. “This investment strengthens our ability to serve communities across the country while reinforcing our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.”
Strengthening Global Partnerships in Central Ohio
The project is the result of long-term economic development outreach between Columbus Region leaders, JobsOhio, and Kuraray executives in Japan. Local leaders emphasized that consistent international outreach has critical benefits for the local economy.
- Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady: “International economic development works when relationships are built in both directions. We have traveled to Japan to strengthen connections, and Japanese leaders have come here to see what Central Ohio can offer. This project is a clear example of how those relationships lead to investment, jobs, and long-term growth.”
- Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther: “Columbus is proud to be home to a facility playing a direct role in protecting drinking water for people and communities across the country. We appreciate that this expansion brings new jobs to our residents, strengthens an important local employer, and connects our city to a national public health priority.”
- One Columbus Senior VP Deborah Scherer: “Foreign direct investment is helping shape the next chapter of growth in the Columbus Region. Calgon Carbon’s expansion shows how global companies can build on existing operations here and continue scaling for the future.”
The Columbus expansion is part of Calgon Carbon’s broader Operation Bedrock initiative, which focuses on scaling a fully domestic, tariff-free supply chain inside the United States to protect municipal water infrastructure from global trade volatility.
