Partnership powers $313M investment

BELLEVUE — This past week, the Sandusky County Economic Development Corp. and Autokiniton jointly announced a $313 million expansion of the latter's Bellevue-based manufacturing facility. The project will: • Add roughly 215,000 square feet at its Southwest Street site • Install new production lines and state-of-the-art assembly equipment • Upgrade rail access • Expand tooling and machinery Work begins immediately and is expected to be completed in about 18 months. The expansion will create nearly 100 new jobs and retain about 440 existing positions at the Bellevue plant. "This growth is a result of the hard work, dedication and continued success of the workforce in Bellevue and surrounding areas," said Tom Lowe, Autokiniton's vice president of operations. "This expansion reflects Autokiniton's commitment to our customers and the power of partnership. Lowe also expressed his gratitude for the collaboration and support from many project partners. This would include the Regional Growth Partnership; JobsOhio; Bellevue's city government; the Sandusky County Economic Development Corp.; the Erie County Port Authority along with the Greater Sandusky Partnership; the Ohio Rail Development Commission; workforce training partners; as well as "many local leaders and stakeholders who worked with us to make this investment possible." Bio blast 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. Local officials noted how 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. Many spoke about the significance of this investment: • Bellevue Mayor Kevin Strecker: I am genuinely excited that Autokiniton has chosen our city for their multimillion-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. • Erie County treasurer and port authority treasurer Caleb Stidham: The Erie County Port Authority supported this project through its capital lease program, delivering an estimated $835,000 in savings. The port authority is excited to partner with businesses to promote job creation and economic growth throughout northern Ohio. • JobsOhio president and CEO J.P. Nauseef: Autokiniton's latest investment in Bellevue will strengthen infrastructure surrounding the plant and provide cutting-edge technology that will improve efficiencies on the factory floor. The upgrades will bring nearly 100 new jobs to the Autokiniton facility while further bolstering the automotive supply chain in northwest Ohio. Other project particulars Among some other project particulars to understand, as explained by the Sandusky County Economic Development Corp. • 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. • Those at the Sandusky County Economic Development Corp. 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."