ALLEN COUNTY, Ohio - Committed to the growth and attraction of new business to Allen County, Ohio Logistics today broke ground on a new 100,000 square-foot spec building in Gateway Commerce Park. Construction of the spec building is expected to generate immediate interest because of its prime location within the rapidly growing business park, right off I-75.

State and local officials gathered onsite to celebrate the event, along with economic development groups and members of the business community, including Clouse Construction who is partnering in the development of the facility.

"Ohio Logistics' decision to invest in Gateway Commerce Park is a powerful statement about Allen County's future," said Cindy Leis, President/CEO, Allen Economic Development Group. "These new buildings will open the door for businesses ready to move quickly, create quality jobs, and contribute to the vibrant economy we're building in Allen County. This project reflects our shared vision of making Allen County a place where companies want to be and people are proud to live."

This spec building is the first of two 100,000 square-foot facilities being constructed in the Lima business park by Ohio Logistics. The second will go up in 2027.

Ohio Logistics is one of the largest privately held logistics companies in the Midwest. Founded in 1988, the Findlay-based company specializes in logistics and supply chain management, providing warehousing, distribution, and transportation services. Ohio Logistics has 35 locations in five states with 9 million square feet of space under its umbrella.

Construction of these two spec buildings is being supported with a JobsOhio grant through the Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP). OSIP provides grants and low-interest loans for speculative, job-ready development projects with no identified end user. Its purpose is to fill gaps in Ohio's real estate inventory with real estate targeting near-term sector wins to ensure the state is more competitive for site selection projects.

"The Gateway Industrial Park is primed to bring increased jobs and economic development to Allen County, and this spec building will be attractive to companies seeking investment opportunity," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "Through close collaboration with local partners, a new industrial facility will be constructed that will have easy access to I-75 and a strong regional workforce, making it highly attractive for future investment."

The Regional Growth Partnership, with support from Allen Economic Development Group, helped facilitate the grant to spur even further development along the I-75 corridor.

"The very fact that this spec project is moving forward is a direct result of AEDG's commitment and persistence. The right team, Ohio Logistics & Clouse Construction, was uncovered at the right time to bring a much-needed product to market in Allen County," said Matt Davis, vice president, real estate, Regional Growth Partnership. "We are looking forward to working with the community and developer to bring an end user and new jobs to Allen County."

Chuck Bills, president and CEO of Ohio Logistics, noted the significance of spec buildings in meeting the speed-to-market requirements of businesses. He envisions growing supplier-like campuses in Allen County and across Northwest Ohio where specs and curbside-ready sites are available for vendors and suppliers "right in the backyards of our companies."

"We've gotten many inquiries from businesses that want to be along I-75," said Chuck Bills, president and CEO, Ohio Logistics. "We've proven that with curbside-ready land and buildings, businesses will come."

In addition to JobsOhio, Bills complimented the collaborative efforts of the local economic development groups - the RGP, AEDG and the Port Authority of Allen County - in helping facilitate the project.

"We want companies to know we are prepared to respond to their supplier needs" he said, while also recognizing the importance of the Ohio Site Inventory Program. "Without those dollars, we would not be able to put these types of projects together. It allows us to be more cost competitive."

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 the Allen Economic Development Group

Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG) is a public/private partnership organized in 1993 as a facilitator for countywide economic development. It is the mission of the Allen Economic Development Group to create an environment for new business development, to promote and nurture existing business and to facilitate the creation of new jobs in Allen County.

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, X, and Facebook.