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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Riddell Begins Construction On Manufacturing Center In North Ridgeville, Ohio

07/14/2016
Riddell, a premier designer and developer of football helmets, protective sports equipment, head impact monitoring technologies, apparel and related accessories, started construction on the company’s new facility in North Ridgeville, Ohio.

The North Ridgeville operations will be Riddell’s new home for assembly of on-field football helmets and custom shoulder pads, and will also serve as the company’s primary reconditioning plant. Riddell’s new 347,205 square-foot facility will be located on 30 acres of property adjacent to the Ohio Turnpike in North Ridgeville. Additionally, Riddell will relocate its production of full-size collectible football helmets and distribution of most football gear and apparel to the new facility expected to open in early 2017.

According to company officials, support provided by the State of Ohio, Lorain County, and the City of North Ridgeville, was a key factor in Riddell’s decision to reinvest in Northeast Ohio. Riddell selected the North Ridgeville site based on several criteria including the need for more space to accommodate the growth of the company’s business and proximity to its current operations in Elyria, Ohio, given the area’s strong employee base. North Ridgeville will be the company’s largest single location and provides operational efficiencies to better service Riddell’s customers.

“The strength of Riddell’s business affords us an exciting opportunity to expand our operations in Northeast Ohio and provide our valued team in this area with an upgraded workplace at our new facility,” said Dan Arment, President/CEO of Riddell and BRG Sports.

“The North Ridgeville operations will bring together our consumer business and distribution with our football helmet production and reconditioning services to optimize our footprint. The integration of these activities will provide our employees and the workforce in the area with new opportunities within the industry,” he added.

The new building will be temperature controlled to accommodate changes in the weather and will feature a fitness center, larger break and training rooms, additional storage and shipping/receiving access, and ample parking.

Riddell will transition the activities of its current plant to North Ridgeville beginning in early 2017, with a planned exit from Elyria by the end of next year, company officials said. Riddell’s collectible business and distribution, which is currently based in Rantoul, Illinois, will move to North Ridgeville by the summer of 2017.

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