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CLEVELAND (WJW) — A Cleveland manufacturer supporting the marine industry has decided to close after 66 years in business.

Operators of Samsel Supply, a multigenerational, family-owned business located along Old River Road on the east bank of The Flats, called it a “difficult decision,” reads a news release on the closure.

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The company is a “fabricator and distributor for contractors, industrial firms, municipalities and the commercial marine market,” reads the release.

The company plans to fulfill its outstanding orders and take new orders for its stock until Oct. 5, according to the release. The company plans to retain its employees another 30 days after that and help them find new jobs.

“We are very proud of all that we have accomplished over the years, thanks to the tremendous support of our customers and hard work of our loyal employees,” said Vice President Mike Samsel is quoted in a news release. “It has been an honor to serve this community, and we take great pride in the legacy my father began and we’ve all built together.”

The company was founded in 1958 by Frank Samsel. It initially specialized in making wire rope, chain, blocks, load binders and manila rope. It grew into a major distributor and fabricator of supplies throughout the Great Lakes region, according to the release.

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One of the company’s boats, a fish tug named The Putzfrau, “played a key role” in the cleanup of the Cuyahoga River in the late 1960s to early 1980s, “pioneering efforts in environmental sustainability,” reads the release. The company also worked with Greenspace Initiative Program on restoring local fish habitat.

“As we close this final chapter, we are thankful to everyone who has been part of the Samsel Family,” Samsel is quoted in the release. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve many people and companies over the past 66 years.”

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