Bluffton you never knew: What was the original industry located in Diamond Manufacturing?
Note: The Icon acquired a manuscript titled “A Brief History of Bluffton’s Industrial Developments.” This publication was prepared by the classes in Marketing and Small Business Administration from Bluffton College, under the director of Dr. Howard Raid. Publication date is May 1959. We’ve updated some current addresses so viewers may identify location.
Ex-Cell-O Corporation
Started in Bluffton, August, 1956 – Plant manager, Joseph Browne
(Note: Diamond Manufacturing is located in what was originally Ex-Cell-O. The building has experienced several additions since it was originally built.)
The Bluffton plant of the Ex-Cell-O Corp. began operations on Jefferson Street in 1956. This plant is one of 26 plants located throughout the United States and several foreign countries.
The home offices are in Detroit, Michigan, where the industry began under the director of Phil Huber.
The Bluffton plant manufactures the Pure Pak machines and machine tools. The plant is powered by electricity. Most of its 112 employees are member of the union.
There are 9,700 stockholders listed in the stock records for this international operation.
Although this corporation is interested in the world as a market, it nevertheless tries to take a great interest in communities surrounding its various plants.
References: Don Lytle, personnel manager, Ex-Cell—O Corp.
Interviewer: Jim Clemens
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 12
- Blanchard River Watershed Partnership hosts 5K trail run on July 25
- Beaverdam to begin water treatment plant repairs
- Save the date: Declaration of Independence reading, July 8
- Bluffton Police answer 630 calls for service in May 2026
- Great wealth disparity and our eroding democracy
Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 11
- Splitting headache: Fasting and migraines
- Pamela Ann Bricker was a social worker
- Bluffton Community Garage Sales, June 18-19-20
- Open and improved Elm St. segment
- Ultimate car seat guide recommended by Bluffton police
- Senior Center's June community meal shifts to summer schedule
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- Local students on ONU's Spring 2026 Dean's List
- Sardines swamp Ada Gators in opening swim meet
- NWS heat advisory for June 10
- Agenda for June 11 Orange Twp Trustees meeting
- Public meetings schedule for Village of Bluffton, June 10-29
- Local teen documents Ohio sightings of steam locomotive Big Boy
- Open House at remodeled Bluffton EMS station
- Unforgettable: Marvel Stratton Hilty
- Award-winning author Mindy McGinnis speaks at Bluffton Public Library
- Bus trips with Debbie announced by Senior Center