Sandridge Crafted Foods marked the opening of its new Center of Excellence in Medina with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city officials and representatives from county and federal offices. The company said the new facility includes collaboration spaces, a state-of-the-art innovation kitchen, a studio for brand showcases and expanded warehouse capacity to support its growth.

Kimberly Marshall, economic development director for the city of Medina, called the project "an economic development dream come true," saying the city helped connect the company with the building’s owners and that the move allowed Sandridge to expand its campus while retaining another local employer. Marshall thanked local partners including the Medina Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Medina and the Medina County Economic Development Corporation.

Mayor Dennis Hanwell presented a proclamation on behalf of the Medina City Council recognizing the grand opening and praising Sandridge for its investment in local employment and economic vitality. Hanwell, who said he is concluding 16 years as mayor, noted personal ties to the company — "My son, Jonathan, works in the trucking division for Sandridge," he said — and thanked the company for taking care of local workers.

County Commissioner Aaron Harrison presented a certificate of congratulations from the county and praised the partnerships that enabled the project. U.S. Rep. Max Miller said he was "honored to be with you" and lauded the Sandridge family's values and community presence; he presented a proclamation from his office recognizing the expansion.

Marshall said Sandridge will partner with Folds of Honor and stated that a portion of certain product proceeds — remarks in the ceremony cited that portion as 10% — will support the organization. That pledge was presented as part of the company's community and philanthropic activities during Marshall's remarks.

The ceremony also included recognition from the offices of Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber and a state senator named in the transcript as "Mark Grama Chuck," certificates presented on their behalf by the mayor. The event concluded with the presentation of a commemorative painting by artist Joe Everson and a ceremonial countdown to the ribbon cutting.

The city said it will share photos and video of the event for marketing and community outreach. No formal council action or votes were recorded in the ceremony.

The Medina City Council and the Medina administration framed the opening as a local economic-development win, emphasizing job creation, community partnerships and philanthropic commitments by Sandridge Crafted Foods.