The Factory of Terror in Canton has another reason to scream this Halloween. The former aluminum factory turned haunted house was named the longest walk-through horror house in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records.

“It feels great,” said owner John Eslich. “The whole staff is excited, not just for us, but for Canton and Stark County.”

Started in 2002 by John and his brothers Matt and Rich Jr., the three have actively expanded their business since opening. Adding extensions each year, little by little, the Factory of Terror reached its current length at 3,318 feet, beating the previous record by 2,262 feet.

After completing the current renovations last winter, the trio applied to the Guinness Book of World Records and waited. Months went by, but eventually they received word that someone would come to survey. Officials from the Guinness Book World Records came to measure on Aug. 13, where they videotaped an entire walk-through. The day, which ironically was Friday the 13, was “very fitting” according to Eslich.

Filled to capacity with haunted mazes, hallways, factory chambers and a variety of other rooms, the Factory of Terror takes an hour to complete the entire tour, not including the hour-plus wait to get in.

“We increase in crowds each year by word of mouth, the record will hopefully help even more this year,” Eslich said. “We try to increase the quality in the show so people get excited to return every year.”

Since opening on Sept. 24, Eslich has noticed that more customers are coming from farther distances. Some even drive as long as three hours to experience the haunted house and its record.

A single-ticket purchase grants entrance to all four of Factory of Terror’s horror-themed attractions. This year’s attractions include: Portal To Insanity, a mirror maze, Industrial Nightmare (described by the website as an “attack on your senses” in a factory setting), Massacre on Mahoning, a tour through a haunted mansion and Judgment Day in 3-D, a clown-filled 3-D experience.

But it’s not just the improved quality of the show that’s helping the haunted house bring in new customers; the acting of the show is also improving. Happily employing many residents, the Factory of Terror proudly acknowledges its home in Canton and Stark County. The Eslich brothers even invited several local firefighters and reporters to the Guinness Book of World Records recording to share the experience with them.

As well as the haunted house, attendees can see a live band every Friday night and even attend a Zombie Prom on Oct. 28.

The Factory of Terror is open rain or shine through Halloween. It’s open every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 p.m. to midnight and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

You can find more information, as well as prices and coupons, at its official website at www.factoryofterror.net and its Facebook page.

You can contact Max Hayden at [email protected].