BUCYRUS — Ohio Mutual Insurance Group is showing off a $7 million renovation which is propelling the 118-year-old company into a new era while fulfilling its purpose of “keeping the promises that secure dreams” for the future.
The project, which has been more than two years in the making, was completed in September. It features fresh paint, new carpeting, non-traditional workspaces with open seating and spacious conference rooms equipped with the latest technology.
Ohio Mutual, located at 1725 Hopley Ave., always has been a progressive company recognized as an industry leader, but its building – a portion of which dates to 1969 – didn’t always reflect that, according to Marcella Smith, vice president of human resources.
“We, of course, wanted to contemporize, modernize our building,” Smith said. “The goal was to get as much light into this building as possible. We wanted it to be a place our current employees would be proud of. We wanted an inviting workplace.”
The result? Collaborative spaces instead of cubicle walls, sit to stand desks, whiteboard walls, coffee stations and lockers on wheels for its 180 employees. Nearly 44,000 square feet decorated in a white and gray color scheme with bold teal and burgundy accents.
The objective was to boost capacity for the company’s projected 10-year growth, said Todd Boyer, assistant vice president of corporate communications.
“We knew we were outgrowing our space. We knew that the design had to work well now and into the future,” Boyer said.
Branding elements are strategically placed throughout the three-story brick structure, with creative names designating meeting rooms, such as the Loyalty Loft or the Centurion Room, which accommodates visitors as well as the management team and board of directors.
Conference rooms boast state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities, including remote control cameras and livestream technology. They also are equipped with pendant microphones suspended from the ceiling, full length whiteboard walls and overflow seating.
As part of the renovation, several old boilers and air handlers have been replaced with a modern, energy-efficient heating and cooling system. Other upgrades include a full sprinkler system, installation of a gas-powered generator and back-up diesel connection and enhanced security features in the front lobby.
Three new glass display cases in the lobby showcase an assortment of items collected over the company’s history. A wall safe uncovered during the renovation was filled and sealed, Boyer said, with the same “time capsule” items found in the old safe.
Concentration spaces where associates can work quietly on projects are spread throughout the building, which also features a farm scene mural and numerous photos by employees. The company’s timeline is displayed on a third-floor wall, highlighting milestones since its founding.
Ohio Mutual was founded March 5, 1901. The corporate office moved to Bucyrus in 1909 and operated out of the second floor of Farmers Citizens Bank. The home office outside of town was built in 1969, with expansions in 1986 and again in 2002.
