Auto components manufacturer Ohashi Technica, 111 Burrer Drive in Sunbury, celebrated its 25th year in the United States and its 17th year in Delaware County by presenting a crystal vase to the Delaware County Board of Commissioners during its meeting Thursday, Sept. 6.

"We are fortunate to have several Japanese firms located in Delaware County," said Gus Comstock, the county's economic development director.

"One of them is Ohashi Technica in Sunbury. We planted five cherry trees at their facility to commemorate their 25th anniversary and also the 100th anniversary of the Japanese government planting cherry trees in Washington, D.C."

Plant administrator Dennis Leckron presented the vase to the commissioners.

"We came to the village of Sunbury in 1995 and at that time, we had 23 total employees," Leckron said.

"We've been successful here. It's been, and continues to be, a good relationship between our company and the village and county. We now have 57 employees and I'm happy to say we're continuing to hire. We have two men coming Monday (Sept. 10) who just came out of the military."

Ohashi planted three cherry trees at its facility in April and another two trees in July.

"I have watered those first three trees every other day since they were planted, carrying five-gallon buckets out to them," Leckron said. "The last two I've been watering every day because they were planted in July."

The Ohashi grounds will take on a radical new look this fall, however, when more than 30 ash trees infested with the emerald ash borer are cut down.

"We plan on replacing those trees with more cherry trees, so it shouldn't be long before we have a good view again," Leckron said.

Ohashi specializes in cold forming, forging, stamping, casting, cutting and grinding, resin molding and bonding, providing the auto industry with more than 20,000 different types of parts. More than 90 percent of its business comes from the automotive industry.

"You say you keep a low profile and you do," Commissioner Tommy Thompson said. "I didn't know you were there for the longest time. Your facility is immaculate. For people who don't know it's there, they need to drive by and see the trees and the landscaping.

"We're very pleased," Thompson added. "Fifty-seven employees may not seem like a lot, but I bet to the village of Sunbury it's a lot. We're pleased you are here and well-established and we wish you not just another 25 years but another 125 years."