Committed to the growth and attraction of new business to Allen County, Ohio Logistics broke ground today 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.
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.
A Powerful Statement About Allen County’s Future
“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.”
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.
Backed by the Ohio Site Inventory Program
Construction of these two spec buildings is being supported with a grant through OSIP — the Ohio Site Inventory Program. The JobsOhio 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 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. After many years of searching for the right development team, Ohio Logistics and Clouse Construction will bring a much-needed product to market in Allen County for a new end user and new jobs,” said RGP’s Vice President of Real Estate, Matt Davis.
Businesses Are Taking Notice
“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.”
Bills 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 want companies to know we are prepared to respond to their supplier needs,” he said, while also recognizing the importance of the OSIP program. “Without those dollars, we would not be able to put these types of projects together. It allows us to be more cost competitive.”
A Win for Allen County and the Region
“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.”
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.