The Lima tank plant took center stage during AEDG’s recent trip to Washington, D.C., held in collaboration with Task Force Linked In Mutual Alliance (Task Force LIMA). Through a series of meetings with Ohio’s congressional representatives, we emphasized the tank plant’s critical role — not only as a key driver of Ohio’s economy but also as a vital component of our national security.
Ryan Blackburn, Senior Manager for the Military and Federal sector at JobsOhio and an attendee of the event, touted its success, highlighting the power of collaboration: “The Task Force LIMA D.C. fly-in represented Ohio continuing to speak with one voice to support our federal and defense community.”
Why Protecting the Lima Tank Plant (JSMC) Matters to Ohio and the Nation
(IMAGE CAPTION: Attending the D.C. fly-in: Gary Hadding (General Dynamics/Lima), Dominic Inkrott (General Dynamics/Lima), Cliff Barber (Retired General Dynamics/Lima), Cory Noonan (Allen County Commissioner), Brittany Woods (Allen County Board of Commissioners), Ryan Blackburn (JobsOhio), Michael Dustman (JobsOhio), Jeff Sprague (Regional Growth Partnership/JobsOhio), and Cindy Leis (Allen Economic Development Group). ))
Our visit to D.C. marked a new turn in advocacy, as this was our first visit to D.C. since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The heart of the message was simple: the Lima tank plant, officially known as the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC), is the sole tank manufacturer in the United States, and if funding were to be reduced or cut, it would not only have implications at home here in Ohio but also to the United States’ national security.
When production of these military vehicles is kept at home, we are able to maintain tight control over the quality, security, and reliability of each component.
“For decades, this group of industry, private sector, government, and other community leadership individuals have assembled in order to communicate with state and federal officials about the strategic importance of the JSMC, its unique and essential manufacturing and its portfolio of world-class armored vehicles and products,” said Cory Noonan, an Allen County Commissioner and fly-in participant.
JSMC continues to manufacture new equipment such as the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tank, the Stryker A1, and SGT Stout combat vehicles. These solutions fuel innovation and workforce development in Allen County and beyond. Every military vehicle produced in Lima represents jobs retained and communities strengthened.
The Economic Impact on Allen County Businesses
From an economic standpoint, JSMC’s influence is far-reaching.
Locally, it employs Allen County residents with high-demand skills in welding, manufacturing design, plate processing, assembly, and testing, supporting a dedicated workforce. These skills go beyond just technical expertise – they foster a workforce that is innovative, adaptable, and ready to contribute to a continuously evolving manufacturing landscape. These trained employees help keep Allen County’s industries at the forefront of technological advancements.
Not only does the tank plant support Allen County, but its success creates a ripple effect throughout the entire state of Ohio.
There are 227 suppliers located throughout the state that provide the essential materials and components needed to manufacture military vehicles; this supply chain helps support communities and reinforces Ohio’s reputation as a leader in defense manufacturing, with over $229 million in total spend from these suppliers from CY2021-CY2024.
Continuing to Strengthen Our Support in D.C.
Attending the fly-in to D.C., held in February, were members from JobsOhio, the Lima tank plant, General Dynamics, and members from the Allen County Board of Commissioners. There, we met with multiple representatives from Ohio, such as Greg Landsman (OH-1), Jim Jordan (OH-4), Max Miller (OH-7), Mike Turner (OH-10), and Troy Balderson (OH-17).
“With local, city, county, regional, and state representation, the Task Force educated our newly elected congressional members on Capitol Hill on the importance of JSMC to Lima, the impact of the suppliers across the state, and the impact on our nation’s security,” Blackburn stressed.
About JSMC
JSMC is the only facility that manufactures main battle tanks in the western hemisphere. The industrial facility is capable of manufacturing, repairing, and refurbishing heavy and light armored combat vehicles, ensuring the military receives the highest-quality capabilities and components.