LEXINGTON & ONTARIO, OH — Charter Next Generation (CNG) has been named a recipient of the Economic Impact Award from the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development, recognizing organizations whose investments and leadership have significantly advanced economic growth in the region. 

The award was formally presented at the Chamber’s Economic Excellence Awards event on February 11, 2026, in Mansfield, OH, where Dan Niss, President of CNG, and Brandon Hall, Executive Vice President of Operations, Mark Cacchio, Director of Talent Acquisition and Training, and Ron Bise, Director of Manufacturing Operations, Lexington, accepted the honor on behalf of CNG. 

The recognition reflects CNG’s continued investment in Richland County through capital expansion, advanced manufacturing technology, and job creation, reinforcing the company’s long-standing role as a major employer and economic driver in Northeast Ohio.  

“We’re honored to receive the Economic Impact Award, which reflects our shared commitment with local leaders, partners, and residents to build sustainable growth and opportunity right here in Richland County,” said Dan Niss, President of Charter Next Generation. “At CNG, our purpose is Enhancing Lives for a Better World, and that starts with being a good neighbor and a strong community partner.” 

In 2025, CNG announced a major expansion of its Northeast Ohio operations, committing more than $106 million to grow capacity across its Lexington and Ontario campuses. The project includes a 157,000-square-foot expansion at the Lexington facility to accommodate 12 new film packaging lines, along with the addition of four new extrusion lines in Ontario. These investments are designed to meet the rising demand for innovative and sustainable specialty films used in food, consumer goods, industrial, and other critical markets. 

Collectively, the expansion is expected to create approximately 125 new jobs while preserving the more than 1,200 existing positions across both sites, further strengthening CNG’s economic impact in Richland County and the surrounding region. 

“This award highlights the impact CNG’s investments have had on our local economy, through workforce growth, advanced manufacturing technology, and community commitment,” said Ellen Heinz, CEO & President of the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. “We commend CNG for its leadership and ongoing commitment to the success of our community.  

CNG’s Economic Impact Award underscores the company’s broader focus on innovation, sustainable growth, and meaningful community partnership. As CNG continues to expand its capabilities and deliver advanced material science solutions, its presence in Northeast Ohio remains a strong contributor to regional prosperity.