Howald’s Unveils New Equipment and Celebrates its Expansion in Springfield with Support from OAQDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
October 16, 2026 Media Contact: Lindsey Sanders 
[email protected] 419-618-1708

Howald's Unveils New Equipment and Celebrates its Expansion in Springfield with Support from OAQDA

OAQDA and Howald's Paint & Body Works Celebrate Air Quality Investment

COLUMBUS - A family-owned Springfield auto body shop unveiled new air-quality control equipment today during an event to celebrate its second project supported through the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority's (OAQDA) Small Business Clean Air Program. The financing will help the Springfield small business continue to grow and improve operations while meeting federal Clean Air Act requirements. The project includes more than $233,000 in financing, along with an additional $20,000 in financial assistance to help offset upfront costs and support continued investment in the business.

The project involves the installation of a new dual prep spray booth as part of continued upgrades and expansion at Howald's Paint & Body Works, 2001 Lagonda Ave., Springfield. Through its Small Business Clean Air Program, OAQDA evaluated the project's benefits and partnered with First Federal Leasing, a division of First Richmond Bank, which used OAQDA bonds to loan capital for this equipment. The project supports business growth, improves operational efficiency, and reduces emissions.

"We are pleased to celebrate the completion of this project at Howald's Paint & Body Works and their continued investment in both business growth and clean air improvements," said Christina O'Keeffe, executive director of OAQDA. "When a small business returns to our program for financing a second time, it demonstrates their ongoing success in competing and growing in their community by creating healthier workplaces and economic impacts that benefit both their employees and their customers."

Following its initial project through the program in 2022, Howald's Paint & Body Works continues to invest in upgraded equipment to meet growing demand while maintaining a safe workspace for employees. The company's owners recognize the need to protect their workers' health and safety. The project provides employees with cleaner air by installing a dual prep spray booth. Now operational, the booth uses controlled airflow and filtration to capture paint overspray and emissions during the refinishing process.

"This investment allows us to strengthen our operations while meeting important environmental standards," said Zack Howald, co-owner of Howald's Paint & Body Works. "The support we received from OAQDA on our first project helped us grow, and this next investment will help us keep expanding and providing good, safe jobs for the people who work here."

This project delivers significant economic and environmental benefits, including:

• Retention of six existing jobs and the creation of up to four new positions, strengthening long-term business stability and supporting local economic growth, including an estimated $274,000 in job-related economic impact.
  

• Increased production capacity and improved cycle times, with the company estimating that operational improvements were approximately 25 to 30 percent, alongside $15,700 in additional operational and equipment efficiency benefits, while improving compliance with federal clean air requirements.
  

• Reduced harmful air emissions, including volatile organic compounds, through upgraded spray booth technology and enhanced ventilation controls, support better air quality in the surrounding community.

This investment also strengthens the company's ability to serve the region long-term while maintaining its role as a stable local employer.

The event was attended by state leaders, including Senator Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield) and Representative Bernie Willis (R-Springfield) highlighting the community support for Howald's Paint & Body Works and its continued investment in Springfield.

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