Vermiculite is a versatile mineral widely used in construction, horticulture, insulation, packaging, and industrial applications. Because of its lightweight, absorbent, and heat-resistant properties, it plays a vital role in many industries. If you’re searching for vermiculite manufacturers near Cleveland Ohio, you’ll find a few specialized companies that produce and distribute this valuable material across regional and national markets.
This guide explains what vermiculite is, why Cleveland is a strategic location for manufacturing, and which manufacturers serve the area.
What Is Vermiculite and Why Is It Important?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated. This expansion creates lightweight granules that hold moisture, resist heat, and provide insulation. As a result, vermiculite is used in many industries, including:
- Soil improvement and plant growing media
- Fireproof insulation and construction materials
- Industrial packaging and absorbents
- Environmental cleanup
- Lightweight concrete and coatings
It is clean, odorless, non-toxic, and resistant to mold or decay. Additionally, vermiculite can absorb several times its weight in water, making it ideal for horticultural and hydroponic uses.
Because of these properties, reliable manufacturers are essential to supply consistent, high-quality vermiculite for commercial use.
Why Cleveland, Ohio Is a Key Manufacturing Hub
The Cleveland region has long been associated with construction materials, industrial minerals, and building product manufacturing. Its location near transportation routes, industrial infrastructure, and large commercial markets makes it an ideal base for mineral processing and distribution.
Historically, several facilities in Ohio handled vermiculite ore or related industrial products. The region has hosted exfoliation facilities and building product manufacturers that incorporated vermiculite into insulation and construction materials.
Today, manufacturers near Cleveland continue serving the horticulture, construction, and industrial sectors with processed vermiculite and mineral blends.
Major Vermiculite Manufacturer Near Cleveland, Ohio
Perlite Vermiculite Packaging Industries, Inc.
One of the most recognized vermiculite manufacturers serving the Cleveland area is Perlite Vermiculite Packaging Industries, commonly known as PVP Industries. Located in North Bloomfield, Ohio, the company operates within practical shipping distance of Cleveland and serves customers throughout the region.
Company Overview
- Founded in 1984 and operating since 1985
- Produces vermiculite and perlite products
- Serves horticultural, construction, and industrial markets
- Operates a large manufacturing and packaging facility
- Offers custom blends and bulk mineral supply
The company manufactures multiple grades of vermiculite for professional use. These products are used in plant growing media, fireproof insulation, industrial absorbents, and specialized construction materials.
Product Range
PVP Industries produces vermiculite in several particle sizes and formulations. Their materials are commonly used for:
- Seed germination and plant propagation
- Lightweight cement and fireproof coatings
- Hazardous material packaging
- Industrial insulation and high-temperature applications
Vermiculite granules help plants retain nutrients and moisture while providing aeration, making them essential in commercial horticulture.
Regional Reach
Although based in North Bloomfield, the company supplies products throughout Ohio and beyond. Much of its business occurs within a few hundred miles of its facility, including the greater Cleveland area.
Because of its specialization in mineral expansion and packaging, PVP Industries is widely considered one of the leading vermiculite manufacturers serving Northeast Ohio.
Other Businesses Connected to Vermiculite in the Cleveland Area
While only a few companies actively manufacture vermiculite locally, other businesses work with the material in related ways.
Environmental and Insulation Services
Some firms specialize in vermiculite insulation testing or removal, especially in older buildings. Vermiculite insulation was widely used in the 20th century, and modern contractors often help homeowners manage or replace it safely.
Industrial and Construction Supply Chains
Distributors, building supply companies, and landscaping suppliers often carry vermiculite products sourced from regional manufacturers. These businesses help transport bulk mineral materials to contractors, nurseries, and industrial facilities.
Applications Driving Demand in Northeast Ohio
Vermiculite manufacturing near Cleveland is supported by strong demand from multiple sectors.
Construction Industry
Builders use vermiculite in fireproofing, insulation, and lightweight concrete. Its thermal resistance makes it valuable for commercial and industrial structures.
Agriculture and Horticulture
Greenhouses, nurseries, and landscaping companies rely on vermiculite for soil aeration and moisture retention. It supports seed germination and plant growth, especially in controlled growing environments.
Industrial Manufacturing
Factories use vermiculite for heat insulation, packaging, and chemical absorption. Its lightweight and absorbent qualities make it ideal for transporting fragile or hazardous materials.
Environmental Remediation
Because vermiculite absorbs liquids efficiently, it is often used in spill cleanup and environmental containment operations.
How Vermiculite Is Manufactured
Manufacturing vermiculite involves several steps:
- Mining the raw mineral
- Heating it rapidly to cause expansion (exfoliation)
- Sorting and grading particles
- Packaging or blending for different applications
This expansion process gives vermiculite its characteristic lightweight structure and high absorbency.
Manufacturers often work with global mining partners to ensure consistent raw material quality and supply.
Choosing a Vermiculite Manufacturer Near Cleveland
If you’re sourcing vermiculite for commercial or industrial use, consider the following factors:
- Product grade and particle size availability
- Bulk supply capacity
- Custom blending or formulation options
- Industry certifications
- Shipping and logistics support
Manufacturers serving Cleveland typically provide both bulk shipments and packaged products for different industries.
Future Outlook for Vermiculite Manufacturing in Ohio
Demand for vermiculite continues to grow due to expanding greenhouse agriculture, sustainable construction, and industrial insulation needs. Lightweight, fire-resistant materials are increasingly valuable in modern building design.
Additionally, environmental cleanup and packaging industries continue to rely on mineral absorbents, supporting long-term demand for vermiculite manufacturing in the region.
As infrastructure and commercial development expand across Ohio, local manufacturers are likely to remain important suppliers to both regional and national markets.
Final Thoughts
Cleveland, Ohio, and its surrounding region remain important centers for mineral processing and industrial manufacturing. While only a limited number of companies specialize in vermiculite production, the region is served by established manufacturers with decades of experience.
Among them, Perlite Vermiculite Packaging Industries, Inc. stands out as a leading supplier of vermiculite products for horticultural, construction, and industrial use. With a strong manufacturing base near Cleveland and broad distribution capabilities, it plays a key role in supplying this versatile mineral across Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Whether you’re in construction, agriculture, or industrial manufacturing, sourcing vermiculite from reliable regional producers ensures consistent quality and dependable supply.
