Businesses across Northwest Ohio created 328 jobs in the first quarter of 2025 while investing more than $121 million, according to the Regional Growth Partnership.
The results were produced by businesses through the collaborative support of the RGP and local economic development groups which make up the 17-county Northwest Ohio footprint.
“We’re encouraged businesses continue to recognize and take advantage of the regional assets which can support their continued growth,” said Dean Monske, president and CEO of the RGP. “Through the support of JobsOhio, Northwest Ohio remains committed to building a conducive climate allowing businesses to maximize success and opportunities.”
Images of Innovation Post, Downtown Toledo
A pair of Tier 1 automotive suppliers led the way with a combined announced investment of nearly $73 million. Magna’s Vehtek Systems division, which designs, develops and manufactures automotive systems and components for global OEMs, has opened a second facility in Bowling Green, creating 120 new jobs. EPC-Columbia, a manufacturer of plastic products for various industries including automotive, announced an expansion at its Bellevue, Ohio, facility, adding 77 new jobs.
Another first-quarter announcement came from Wurtec, Inc., a premier design manufacturer of elevator systems. The company will consolidate administrative personnel at the Innovation Post, formerly known as the Jefferson Center, in downtown Toledo. The new location will bring 36 new jobs to the Post, described as the hub for a larger innovation district downtown.
The first quarter for Northwest Ohio also included seven companies receiving Small Business Grants through JobsOhio. This statewide grant is intended for fixed-asset investment to support traditionally underrepresented populations such as minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, located in a distressed community, or owned by an individual with a disability. The seven businesses created 16 new jobs through support of the grant which yielded $225,000 to the recipients.