PUBLISHED ON: June 23, 2026
There’s something special about watching a community come together to build for the future. That’s exactly what happened when community leaders, project partners, and local businesses gathered to celebrate a milestone years in the making: the grand opening of the newly completed Ambrose Drive infrastructure project in Delphos, Ohio.
It may look like a simple road extension on the surface, but this project represents something much bigger — an investment in business growth, safer roads, and the long-term strength of Delphos’ industrial corridor.
What the Project Accomplished
The project extended Ambrose Drive to Colleta Way and introduced the newly relocated Gressel Drive. The result? Better access, smoother traffic flow, improved safety, and a foundation for future development opportunities throughout the industrial park.
Smart infrastructure does important work. It rarely makes headlines, but it makes everything else possible — from the daily commute of local workers to the expansion plans of growing manufacturers.
How It Came Together: Partnership in Action
Big projects don’t happen without big collaboration, and this one was no exception.
The Port Authority of Allen County secured $525,000 in grant funding to bring the project to life:
| Funding Source | Amount |
| Ohio Department of Development 629 Fund (via Regional Growth Partnership) | $350,000 |
| Ohio Department of Transportation’s Office of Job & Commerce | $175,000 |
| Total Grant Funding | $525,000 |
The grants helped cover the project’s estimated $850,000 total cost, with the remaining balance supported through a partnership between the Port Authority and the City of Delphos. AEP agreed to temporarily relocate two utility poles at no cost — a move that helped keep the project on schedule.
“This project reflects what strong partnerships and strategic investment can accomplish,” said Cindy Leis, President and CEO of Allen Economic Development Group and Executive Director of the Port Authority of Allen County. “The completion of Ambrose Drive supports existing employers, improves infrastructure, and creates opportunities for continued growth throughout the park.”
A Catalyst for Local Jobs: The Vanamatic Story
So why this road, and why now? A big part of the answer is Vanamatic, a three-generation, family-owned manufacturer founded in 1954.
The grants were awarded in support of Vanamatic’s continued expansion — and the company has delivered in a big way. As part of its project commitment running from March 2024 through December 2027, Vanamatic pledged to create 50 new jobs. It has already blown past that goal, adding 57 new jobs so far, bringing total employment to 182 and growing.
For Vanamatic’s leadership, this is about more than numbers.
“For more than 72 years, Vanamatic’s commitment to our staff, their families, and the Delphos community has been the cornerstone of our business and core values,” said Adam Wiltsie, Co-Owner, CEO, and Director of Operations. “We could not do this without the best manufacturing team in the area, and we look forward to many more years of growth and investment.”
Investing in the Future of Precision Manufacturing
Vanamatic began expanding operations in March 2023, launching its CNC division at the 1601 Gressel Drive location. Over the past two years, it has invested more than $7.5 million in machinery, equipment, and building improvements.
“Vanamatic has been aggressively investing in our staff, systems, processes, and manufacturing operations over the past few years with the launch of our CNC Division,” said Steve Schroeder, Co-Owner and Director of Sales and Marketing. “This expansion, along with continued investments at our 80,000 sq. ft. Screw Machine Division on Ambrose Drive, positions us well in the competitive and growing precision machined products industry.”
More Than a Road
The completion of the Ambrose Drive extension is a reminder that infrastructure and economic development go hand in hand. This isn’t just about pavement and utility poles — it’s about creating the conditions for local businesses to thrive, for families to find good jobs, and for Delphos to keep building momentum for years to come.
When partnerships are strong and investment is strategic, communities don’t just maintain — they grow. And in Delphos, the road ahead looks brighter than ever.
Your Next Big Opportunity Starts Here
The Allen Economic Development Group is your partner in economic success. We strive to create an environment where new businesses thrive, existing companies expand, and job opportunities flourish throughout Lima and Allen County, Ohio. Get started at aedg.org.