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By Bob Weaver
"There are 40 million barrels made a year, and the basic design hasn't
changed for 100 years," according to inventor and businessman Steve Palisin
of Cleveland. Palisin has re-invented the barrel, obtaining eight U. S. patents
for a highly durable, space-saving and labor reducing container.
Inventor and businessman Steve Palisin
"Space is golden," he said. "We will be creating a whole new industry in
stackable containers." The new container is a four-to-one ratio use of
shipping space.
The better barrel
A group of elected officials and businessmen met yesterday at Calhoun Park
to assist the company in coming to Calhoun. Retired businessman, Shirley
Fitzwater, has been donating time to get the company to locate here. The
President of the new Wirt-Calhoun economic development group, Dan
McDonald, also participated in the meeting.
The Stackable Drum Company would like to come to Calhoun, initially
creating 25-50 production jobs. The company has been offered, at no cost,
the former B. F. Goodrich property near Grantsville. Palisin said he would like
to place "deep roots" in Calhoun County, noting the Goodrich complex had
sufficient room for barrel production.
The Calhoun Commission will be meeting in a special session to apply for a
Small Cities Block Grant to help finance start-up costs with the assistance of
Fred Rader of the MOVRC, who attended the meeting.
Jim Mosby of the West Virginia State Economic Development Office
presented financial options offered by his agency and said they have "A
willingness to work on the project."
James Mosby, WV Economic Development Office
Palisin said the venture still needs start-up capital and private investment.
He produced letters of intent from dozens of companies who indicate they
would purchase 500,000 barrels.
The 55-gallon steel "Cyclepac" drum is a space-saver. Thirty-four empty
drums can be stacked in the same space as eight conventional barrels. The
cost to produce them is highly competitive, according to Palisin.
The Calhoun Commission will be attempting to obtain additional grant money
for the company to locate here.
Group meets to bring jobs to county
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