On July, 21 News reported that Zoetic Global, a company based in Cleveland, had plans to open a refrigerant plant in Youngstown.

The new venture, with involvement from former Congressman Tim Ryan, was touted as a revolutionary replacement for the current refrigerants used. 

However, a tip call to the newsroom said equipment was being packed up and moved out, and operations had stopped at the East Federal Street location.

Zoetic COO Charlene Gruhn said they are leaving and taking assets, claiming it's due to a security breach.

A representative for the landlord, JPS Ventures, said Zoetic has breached its lease and failed to fulfill obligations and is now "attempting to leave town like a thief in the night."

Gruhn alleged payments were incorrectly recorded and that missed payments happened under a former executive but says that's not the reason Zoetic is leaving.

Gruhn alleges there's a "clear theft" of "intellectual property" and proprietary information she said was "physically removed." She claims she's filing a police report over that allegation, but details are still limited.

What we do know is that an investor, Samuel Orr Junior, filed a lawsuit against Zoetic in March, alleging he was never paid under terms of his agreement.

A California man, Bill Lopshire, said he sold his refrigerant company assets to Zoetic, to be paid in installments, but that Zoetic never paid.

Lopshire said equipment in the building was collateral in that deal and he's hired an attorney.

Zoetic's COO said that Zoetic's intention has always been to establish and operate a thriving Youngstown facility.

JPS Ventures said they would pursue all available measures to hold Zoetic accountable.

A Youngstown spokesperson says this is "unfortunate," and "hates to see a business leave downtown, but it speaks to the importance of being strategic in how we grow our downtown area and city."

Tim Ryan is no longer involved with the company, having left in late 2024.