Paperchine, Inc 3/18/2008

State Representative Dave Winters took a business tour of South Beloit’s Paperchine on March 18th. Winters viewed the entirety of the paper-making equipment parts and services business. Vice President of Operations Daniel Morris led the tour, which included the office facilities, erecting bay, and the recently acquired Wespatt machine tool operation.

During the tour, Winters and Morris discussed the opportunity for small business grants and industrial equipment training grants, which would be supported by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Morris asked the state to stop supporting the big guys only. These grants offered from the DCEO would be the first step in accomplishing this.

“This corporation is an outstanding example of one of America’s greatest strengths. The four entrepreneurs at Paperchine saw an opportunity to grow a local business and have achieved a very competitive position in serving our paper-making industry. As they expand their market penetration and compete internationally, their growth will certainly add to the Stateline area’s health and wealth.” Winters said.

Paperchine was established eight years ago in March. It started with only two employees and now employs more than 120 workers. Two years into the business Paperchine was featured in Entrepreneur and D&B’s 8th Annual Hot 100 in 2002, where they ranked number 18 for America’s fastest-growing new businesses.

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