History of the Toledo Press Equipment factory explored.

The Toledo Press Equipment factory is one of the lesser known factories of Toledo, Ohio. This news article will explain some history behind the Toledo Press Equipment factory.


The Toledo Press Equipment factory was built in 1904 as a manufacturing factory and plant on nearly 67,000 square foot lot on Castle Boulevard. Additional buildings were added to the factory in 1910. Nearly all buildings were 2 stories hence the industrial stye architecture. (Ref: https://www.xome.com/realestate/250-castle-blvd-toledo-oh-43610-74094505)

Katy Steel Company purchased the land from Toledo Press Equipment in 1946 and moved their steel manufacturing business to this location in 1947. Alvin Barnes was the receptionist who was responsible for handling all mail. (Ref: https://books.google.com/books?id=zRtdPQE0Fs8C&pg=PA689&lpg=PA689&dq=%22750+Castle+Boulevard+Toledo%22)

Katy Steel Company was incorporated on the date of February 19, 1947 as a for profit corporation by Chester Tuschman as the incorporator and David A. Katz acting as the agent. Joe Kasle and Alvin Kasle were the owners. Richard A. Kasle was president. (Ref: https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/200333)

Katy Steel Company relocated to the National Bank Building on the date of 3/31/1982. Katy Steel Company sold and transferred the land back to Toledo Press Equipment factory. (Ref: https://bizimage.ohiosos.gov/api/image/pdf/F066_1358)

Toledo Press Equipment used the building again until 1990. 1990 was when Toledo Press Equipment leased their factory out to a bodyshop called Platinum Auto Works. Platinum Auto Works would use this factory as their bodyshop until the conclusion of 1994 when their business license was cancelled by the Tax Department. (Ref: https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/785231)

The phone number for Platinum Auto Works was 419-246-0991 and their mailing address was 750 Castle Blvd, Toledo, Ohio 43610. (Ref: https://zmaps.net/company/platinum-auto-works-4192460991)


Toledo Press Equipment sold their factory to K&K Castle Properties, LLC somewhere around 2004. K&K Castle Properties, LLC had a foreclosure on their mortgage issued on Friday, September 28, 2018, marshaling of liens order of sale. An action for judgment for the price of $26,059.03 with interest & costs alleged due on promissory note was issued by the Treasurer of Lucas County. K&K Castle Properties, LLC went to court against City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Department of Development and lost their case. So the land was gifted to Lucas County Land Reutilization Corporation in 2018. (Ref: https://www.toledolegalnews.com/commonpleas/details/caseNumber/1319969957)

Lucas County Land Reutilization Corporation gifted and deeded the factory to Lucas County Port Authority on the date of 9/16/2019. Today the property is now owned by Lucas County Port Authority. (Ref: https://www.toledoblade.com/business/real-estate/2019/09/20/Real-estate-transfers-Sept/stories/20190920108)

Lucas County Port Authority has gotten the Toledo Press Equipment factory demolished and removed. The factory and warehouse sat empty for nearly 20 years prior to being demolished by Lucas County Port Authority. The factory was already run-down by that point. (Ref: https://nbc24.com/news/local/toledo-swat-arrests-3-suspects-found-with-guns-stolen-from-sylvania-township-home)

[Others say this group wasn't the first to loiter at the run-down property.

Eryka Miller grew up on Maplewood Avenue and says the warehouse has sat empty for nearly 20 years.

"There's been several occasions I've come on my lunch break or come home late from hanging out or something and there's a bunch of cars and people hanging around down there," Miller said.

Now she wants the city to do more to tear down the forgotten eyesores that attract illegal activity and compromise the safety of city neighborhoods.

"Stuff that goes on in the city, people robbing people, and like with all the deaths and stuff that’s going on, you never know. That could be a place for somebody to hide a murder weapon or stolen goods and stuff like they found in there today."]


The Toledo Press Equipment factory was located at the addresses of 250 Castle Boulevard, Toledo, Ohio, US 43610 and 750 Castle Boulevard, Toledo, Ohio, US 43610.