Lewco, Inc., recognized as a world-class manufacturer of industrial ovens and unit handling conveyors, will take over a large portion of a historical facility in the Lake Erie Business Park in Ottawa County, Ohio.

The company will invest nearly $12 million and create 163 new positions to support its significant growth being driven by e-commerce.

“Although there was pressure from outside of Ohio, it was important to our team and families that the rapidly growing business expansion stay here in Ohio and specifically in our region,” said Ron Guerra, President, of LEWCO Inc. “We greatly appreciate JobsOhio and Ottawa County’s efforts to help make that a reality.”

JobsOhio has provided substantial support toward the project with grants to help offset revitalization and renovation of the building, as well as dollars for new machinery and equipment. The company also received approval for a Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority under the Ohio Development Services Agency.

“JobsOhio has developed aggressive, business-friendly programs to support corporate growth and investment as well as dynamic programs to help communities rejuvenate sites,” said Dean Monske, president and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership. “As the Northwest Ohio network partner for JobsOhio, we are pleased to work in collaboration with the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation in facilitating this expansion for Lewco.

Lewco has a long history in Northwest Ohio, originally founded in Sandusky as the Ohio Welding Company in 1917. Maintaining its headquarters in Sandusky, the company now employs 168 people, prior to this scheduled expansion.

“We are excited to be a part of this new project and the jobs it will create here in Ottawa County,” said Chris Singerling, Director, of the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation. “This is one more great example of what happens when a committed local business works with regional partners to achieve the mutually beneficial goals of job creation and business expansion here in Ohio.”