This landmark project in Lima, Allen County, Ohio represents a historic $500 million capital investment-one of the largest private-sector commitments in our region’s history, supporting hundreds of construction and infrastructure jobs. Beyond the facility itself, a strategic $50 million is being channeled into local infrastructure, strengthening the foundation of our community. As a hub for powering day-to-day technologies ranging from personal electronics, to hospitals and key businesses, to critical government services, this site will sustain high-impact permanent jobs, anchoring Allen County as a premier destination for the digital economy.

“The $500 million commitment from Google marks a transformative turning point for our regional economy,” stated Cynthia Leis, President/CEO of AEDG. “This is one of the largest private-sector investments in Allen County’s history, confirming our status as a premier hub for global technology and innovation. We are not just creating jobs; we are reinforcing infrastructure, supporting our educational institutions, and safeguarding our community’s digital future.”

Google’s commitment to Allen County extends well beyond the facility gates. The project will generate a significant increase in property tax revenue to taxing entities. In addition, through a 15-year tax abatement offset agreement, the company will provide $250,000 in annual funding to Elida Local Schools, ensuring our students benefit directly from this partnership.

Furthermore, collaborative coordination with county officials and the City of Lima has cleared the way for vital enhancements to our regional wastewater, water supply, and roadway infrastructure.

Google’s arrival marks the beginning of a deep-rooted partnership with Allen County. Even in these early stages of development, the team is actively identifying opportunities to support our local nonprofits and community groups. Their focus remains clear: investing in the STEM initiatives and workforce training that will empower our residents for years to come.

In partnership with Google, AEDG has launched a website for the community to learn all about this exciting announcement. Coming soon, you will be able to read more about the project at www.aedg.org.

About the Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.

About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Autokiniton is a leading supplier of automotive components and assembly solutions to major vehicle manufacturers, including Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors, BMW and Stellantis. The company’s capabilities include advanced stamping, joining and welding, complex assemblies, and precision fabrication that serve both traditional and next-generation vehicle programs. This investment will double the Bellevue plant’s production capacity so Autokiniton can deliver new performance-critical assemblies to its customers and meet growing regional demand.

Autokiniton chose Bellevue because of the region’s clear advantages: a skilled, experienced workforce; strong transportation and rail infrastructure; proximity to key customers and suppliers; and a supportive business climate. Bellevue Mayor, Kevin Strecker, said, “I am genuinely excited that Autokiniton has chosen our city for their multi-million-dollar plant expansion. I want to thank the management team at Autokiniton for reinvesting in our community. Your commitment to the city has laid the foundation for another chapter in Bellevue.”

“The Erie County Port Authority supported this project through its Capital Lease program, delivering an estimated $835,000 in savings,” said Caleb Stidham, ECPA board member. “The Port Authority is excited to partner with businesses to promote job creation and economic growth throughout northern Ohio.”

The company also received a tax credit from the Ohio Department of Development, which was facilitated by JobsOhio and the Regional Growth Partnership.

The expansion will bring near-term construction work and longer-term career opportunities for the community. SCEDC and its partners will continue to support workforce training and placement, so Sandusky County residents are well positioned to fill the new roles and share in the economic benefits. Beyond the immediate construction and equipment work, the expansion positions Bellevue and Sandusky County to capture higher-value manufacturing work and strengthen local supply chains, which benefits workers, suppliers and the broader community.

About SCEDC
The Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to workforce development, business retention and expansion, and business recruitment for Sandusky County. Our mission is to enhance the economic well-being of all residents and businesses within the county.

About the Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.

About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

The project, led by Bowling Green Economic Development and with support from the Regional Growth Partnership, will return a key downtown property to productive use while expanding access to flexible, professional workspace for local entrepreneurs, remote workers, small businesses, and community organizations. The redevelopment includes approximately 8,000 square feet of first-floor office and coworking space and four one-bedroom residential units on the second floor.

“Receiving the JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Grant is a major milestone for this project and for downtown Bowling Green,” said Kati Thompson, Director of Bowling Green Economic Development. “This investment allows us to accelerate the revitalization of a long-underutilized building while creating a collaborative space that supports job retention, business growth, and community connection.”

Four Corners Center + COWORK will expand the Four Corners Center’s role as Bowling Green’s hub for business support. The facility will continue to house the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, VisitBG Ohio, Downtown Bowling Green Special Improvement District, and Bowling Green Economic Development, while introducing a new coworking model that offers dedicated private offices, dedicated desks, shared amenities, and large training and meeting rooms.

Coworking members will benefit not only from a modern, technology-enabled workspace, but also direct access to the expertise, programming, and networks of the Four Corners organizations. The space is designed to support a wide range of users, including freelancers, startups, satellite teams, and local professionals seeking a stable alternative to home offices or short-term meeting locations.

The project aligns with Bowling Green’s Downtown Forward Plan and the City’s Community Action Plan, which prioritize mixed-use redevelopment, walkable downtown investment, and innovation-driven economic growth. The addition of new residential units will further strengthen downtown vitality by increasing opportunities for quality urban living.

The JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Grant played a critical role in closing the project’s financing gap and reducing upfront renovation costs, allowing the development to move forward. With grant support and strong local partnerships, the Four Corners Center + COWORK project is projected to be financially sustainable while delivering long-term community and economic impact.

Renovation of 250 S. Main Street is underway, with a public ribbon cutting planned upon project completion. Additional information regarding coworking memberships, space availability, and opening events will be announced later this year.

For more information, please contact Kati Thompson with Bowling Green Economic Development at [email protected].

About the Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.

About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

V-Rod USA will invest more than $7 million at a new location in Edon, Ohio, to manufacture composite rebars for the U.S. market. The company is expected to create at least 60 jobs over time upon moving into a 127,000 square-foot facility.

With headquarters in the Quebec province of Canada, V-Rod chose to establish a second U.S. facility, this one in Northwest Ohio, to better serve the American market. President and CEO Bernard Drouin said the company wants to accommodate U.S. customers with Build America Buy America products.

“We are bringing our technology to Edon to provide Ohio and all of the country with U.S.-made fiberglass rebar,” Drouin said. He added that with growing customer demand and having reached capacity at its other plants, the company needed to enhance production and find a new facility.

V-Rod USA is a division of Pultrall, describing itself as the No. 1 fiberglass rebar supplier in the industry. It primarily serves the construction market, specifically bridge and viaduct infrastructure.

In choosing to invest in Northwest Ohio, Drouin recognized Ohio’s business-friendly environment, as well as the strong collaboration and support among state and regional partners, including JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership, Williams County Economic Development and the Ohio EPA.

Drouin expects operations to be at full capacity by the beginning of next summer.

“Williams County Economic Development continues to focus on attracting foreign direct investment as a way to grow our local economy and strengthen our manufacturing sector,” said Ashley Eppling, executive director, Williams County Economic Development Corporation. “Projects like V-Rod USA’s investment in Edon show how our region can compete globally by offering strong workforce resources, available facilities, and supportive partnerships with organizations like JobsOhio and the Regional Growth Partnership. Investments like this bring new jobs, new technology, and long-term opportunity to Williams County.”

About the Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.

About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

The company anticipates beginning their project in 2028 and currently estimates the project will require investment of up to $300 million to transform an existing building into an advanced manufacturing facility, providing significant benefits and growth to the community, including the creation of 400 new jobs.

Jim Dodge, Chief Financial Officer at First Quality, said, “The addition of a new Home Care Products location in Northwest Ohio represents an important step in building the long-term foundation for this division. Beyond increasing our capacity, this site will strengthen our ability to deliver the quality and value customers expect from First Quality.”

First Quality is a family-owned diversified group of companies manufacturing, selling and distributing high-quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and employing more than 5,000 people across the U.S. and Canada. The company’s product portfolio for retailers, consumers and commercial industries includes adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene pads, baby diapers, disposable wipes, consumer paper products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, dishwashing solutions and flexible packaging.

Last year, First Quality announced a $984 million investment in a new tissue and towel manufacturing facility in Defiance County, Ohio, with plans for over 400 new jobs at that location. The plant is expected to be operational in 2028. Together, the two investments represent nearly $1.3 billion committed to Northwest Ohio by First Quality — an unmistakable signal of confidence in the region’s workforce, infrastructure, and business climate.

First Quality representatives cited Northwest Ohio as a strategic location to balance their east and west coast footprint in the U.S., improving logistics and service for their customers. “Our investment in Northwest Ohio reflects our continued commitment to the people and communities of this region,” said Dodge. “We are grateful to our local partners for their collaboration and support as we continue to grow our U.S. operations.”

Ohio is one of the nation’s premier destinations for manufacturers looking to grow, compete, and build for the long term. Home to the third-largest manufacturing workforce in the United States — nearly 700,000 workers — and a manufacturing sector that leads all industries as the single largest contributor to Ohio’s GDP, the state offers the proven talent, infrastructure, and business climate that companies need to scale. With manufacturing GDP exceeding $133 billion and the lowest manufacturing taxes in the Midwest, Ohio gives manufacturers a genuine cost and competitive advantage from day one. Add in the fact that 60 percent of the U.S. and Canadian populations are within a single day’s drive, and it’s clear why Ohio has earned recognition as the No. 1 state in the Midwest for doing business — an environment where manufacturers don’t just locate, they thrive.

State, local, and regional partners worked collaboratively to bring this project to Fulton County, including JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership, and Fulton County Economic Development.

“I’m thrilled to welcome First Quality to Archbold – a family-owned business that will create 400 high-quality jobs, providing a significant boost to our local economy and supporting families throughout the region,” said Jim Wyse, executive director, Fulton County Economic Development. “This job commitment is the largest Fulton County has seen tied to a project in many years, and we’re excited to partner with First Quality as they build a brighter future here.”

About First Quality
Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family-owned company that has grown from a small business in McElhattan, Pennsylvania, into a group of companies that employ more than 5,000 team members. With operations across the U.S. and Canada, First Quality provides high-quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations as well as flexible packaging solutions and high-definition printing. For more information, visit www.firstquality.com.

About the Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.

About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

For us here in Northwest Ohio, we are one of the chosen locations. We have the golden ticket. We are uniquely positioned to take advantage of these massive investments which provide immediate and long-term benefits. And it’s not just us saying this.

Our attraction to data centers begins with an abundant supply of energy, significantly our pipeline infrastructure to pull natural gas from many parts of the U.S. and Canada.

This region also offers an unlimited supply of water for such industrial needs. In addition, we have the necessary flat land, transmission infrastructure and transportation systems to effectively move energy and equipment cost effectively in and out of sites.

Once here, data centers bring significant economic benefits including substantial tax revenue, job creation and infrastructure upgrades. And these benefits far exceed those garnered from traditional economic development projects.

Full-time data center jobs typically pay $85,000 a year. And complete build-out construction of such facilities, which often use 1,000-plus workers, can go beyond 10 years.

Northwest Ohio successfully attracted its first such facility with Meta announcing in 2025 a new $800 million investment to build its newest AI-optimized data center in Middleton Township. For Meta, it was an easy decision.

This next-generation opportunity will spur the evolution of a new growth sector for Northwest Ohio, positioning this region at the forefront of this global technological revolution.

Pransky previously worked on the Ohio Grants Alliance (OGA), an initiative of the Ohio Business Roundtable. OGA was created to increase Ohio’s competitiveness for federal funding by improving grant tracking and awareness capabilities. She said this new RGP initiative ensures Northwest Ohio benefits from early intelligence while also elevating regional priorities and successes at the state level. A particular focus will be helping level the playing field for organizations that previously lacked the internal capacity to track or pursue complex funding opportunities

While grant coordination occurs at the statewide level and grant work actively happens within individual organizations across the region, there has not been a dedicated role focused on coalescing such efforts in Northwest Ohio. This position fills that gap by aligning regional partners, translating statewide grant strategy into regional action, and ensuring the region is positioned to pursue collaborative opportunities.

According to Monske, Northwest Ohio has missed funding opportunities in the past due to a lack of established partnerships and coordination, particularly when short timelines require rapid collaboration.

Those interested in exploring grant opportunities, including nonprofits, institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations and local governments should contact the Regional Growth Partnership.

The program offers Ohio employers $15,000 for each qualifying out-of-state STEM or technical hire they successfully relocate to Ohio, up to $225,000 per company. The incentive is part of JobsOhio’s strategy to expand the state’s skilled workforce as economic growth creates unprecedented demand for specialized talent.

The Regional Growth Partnership supports the program by communicating to businesses, local economic development organizations and communities in Northwest Ohio the direct benefits and opportunities for further growth. Already, nearly two dozen regional companies have applied for the incentive.

The incentive is available on a first-come, first-served basis when a new employee relocates, starts work, and establishes Ohio residency. With funds allocated for large, mid-sized, and small businesses, employers of all sizes in JobsOhio’s 10 targeted industries are eligible to participate.

JobsOhio acknowledged the existing in-state talent pipeline powered by universities and community colleges, technical schools, apprenticeships and training programs, but also recognized that demand for STEM and technical talent is outpacing supply across the country.

With no restrictions on fund uses, participating employers can direct JobsOhio Relocation Incentive disbursements toward signing bonuses, relocation packages, recruiting campaigns, or other strategic talent acquisition investments.

Northwest Ohio employers can visit rgp.org/incentives to learn more about eligibility requirements, targeted industries and priority occupations; preview the application; or apply online.

The grant program helps small businesses accelerate growth by providing funding for projects where JobsOhio’s support plays a key role in making the investment possible. As the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties, the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) facilitates this program in Northwest Ohio, connecting local entrepreneurs and communities to valuable resources that drive growth and strengthen the region’s economy.

Eligible businesses include those with annual revenues between $100,000 and $25 million, at least one year of operating history within one of JobsOhio’s 10 targeted industries that primarily serve B2B markets, and are planning a qualified investment.

The following Northwest Ohio companies received JobsOhio Small Business Grants in the fourth quarter of 2025:

• JB Custom Concepts (Ottawa, Putnam County) – Second-generation family-owned business specializing in lighting and steel fabrication. This necessary expansion will help meet growing customer demand, add new workers and enhance product offerings.
• Marsha’s Buckeyes (Perrysburg, Wood County) – Company specializes in the production of candies and specifically buckeyes, provides them to retail, schools, and online. Expansion will include purchase of new M&E including dipping and cooling machines.
• Maumee Pattern Company (Toledo, Lucas County) – Company is a leading manufacturer of foundry tooling for the metal casting industry in North America, with plans to expand operations due to increased demand.
• Forge Fire & Company (Bucyrus, Crawford County) – Company manufactures fire training towers, safety props and burn rooms for first responders and military applications. Project requires installation of heating equipment and other improvements while improving ability to consistently produce quality products for fire departments across country.
• River East Custom Cabinets (Toledo, Lucas County) – Company manufactures custom laminate and solid surface cabinets, specializing in commercial casework projects. Expansion will help accommodate the growing needs of business, allowing for increased operational capacity and improved workflow efficiency
• Cook Carriers (Alvada, Seneca County) – Regional freight carrier undergoing project that will expand operations from just distribution to trucking, dispatching and all resulting operational positions.
• VCC Industries (Findlay, Hancock County) – Company is a leader in designing and renovating, millworking and cnc work for custom cabinetry for the construction industry. Company is expanding on its campus as new facility is needed based on growth of current market and customers.

Overall in 2025, the RGP facilitated 31 Small Business Grants for area companies, which resulted in 133 new jobs and $925,000 in program funding.

Since JobsOhio introduced the program in 2020, the RGP has helped 138 Northwest Ohio businesses secure $4.3 million in grant funding, leading to the creation of 562 new jobs.

For more information about the program, visit https://rgp.org/jobsohio-small-business-grant/.

The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.

JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.