Parma welcomes new business enterprise

"Excitement" was the term used by Town of Parma Supervisor Rick Lemcke when asked how he felt about a new business opening its doors in the town.

"It's great when something like this comes together in the community," Lemcke said. "It's also nice when a new business can work in collaboration with an existing business and make things happen."

The collaboration came about when Don Carlton and his business partner Sam Ghosh found an available machine shop, negotiated with the present owner and decided to open their company - Roccera - in Parma. Roccera manufactures industrial ceramic which, Carlton explained, is a replacement material for steel.

Carlton and Ghosh were long-time Kodak employees who decided to set off on this business venture when they were victims of downsizing. "We chose Hilton after looking at several places and several different states," Carlton said. "I grew up here so it's nice to be operating our business from here."

The team has been remodeling the existing building, making modifications and getting equipment in place.

"We did quite a bit of research before undertaking this venture," Carlton said, adding that they have the support of Kodak in that Kodak has helped them acquire some of the necessary equipment. "We may be starting locally but we are hoping to supply industrial ceramic nation wide."

An open house will be held at the business at 6 Upton Street, Hilton, on June 16 from 1 to 5 p.m.

May 28, 2006