West Ohio Tool Acquires Women-Owned Business Certifications

The company is now a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise for the state of Ohio, which expands opportunities in obtaining contracts for goods and services, construction, engineering, IT, professional services and other sectors.

Edited by Chris Pasion

Managing Editor

West Ohio Tool is now a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) for the state of Ohio, which expands opportunities in obtaining contracts for goods and services, construction, engineering, IT, professional services and other sectors. The program also provides access to favorable capital financing for growth opportunities such as the company’s planned purchase of a new EDM erosion machine.

The company is also pursuing additional women-owned business recognitions that will further increase West Ohio Tool’s entry to broader markets. Access to Department of Defense and federal contracting opportunities will be enhanced by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and Women-owned Small Business (WOSB) certifications, which the company expects to finalize this summer.

West Ohio Tool CEO Kaci King has previously established herself as one of Ohio’s leading businesswomen. In 2022, Ohio Business magazine included King in its “Ohio 500” list, which recognizes influential Ohioans contributing to Ohio’s future growth. She has been featured with a cover of WomLEAD Magazine and recognized as one of the “Top 25 Female Influencers of 2022,” then as a “Top 5 Female Influencer of 2023.” King also served as a panelist for the publication’s 2023 “She’s Possible” event celebrating female entrepreneurship and achievement. Last fall, West Ohio Tool was a sponsor for Women in Manufacturing’s (WiM) National Summit in Atlanta.

Since its inception in 1989, West Ohio Tool has grown from a regional custom tool maker to a national tool manufacturer and service provider for a variety of industrial sectors. In 2022, the company had sales in 28 states, and based on first-quarter 2023 figures, it is on track to have the best year in its 33-year history, according to King.