One of Northwest Ohio’s leading consumer manufacturers for personal care, household use and specialty products has announced plans to significantly expand operations at its Seneca County facility.
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. will invest $28 million for production of unit dose detergent power paks. The expansion is expected to add at least 40 new jobs at the Old Fort facility.
Church & Dwight, founded in 1846, is the leading U.S. producer of sodium bicarbonate, popularly known as baking soda. The company’s ARM & HAMMER brand is one of the nation’s most trusted trademarks for a broad range of consumer and specialty products. With headquarters in New Jersey, Church & Dwight has grown into a $6.1 billion company with more than 5,750 employees worldwide.
Locally, the company started operations in Seneca County in 1980 and currently employs 342 people.
Plant Manager David Johnston recognized and highlighted the company’s strong, committed workforce as a significant factor in the decision to add the second product line in Old Fort.
“The Old Fort plant has successfully delivered on multiple product line expansions in the past for the company as we’ve continued to produce high-quality products safely and efficiently.”
– David Johnston, Church & Dwight Plant Manager
In addition, Johnston noted the collaboration among economic development partners in moving the project forward, including Seneca County Collaborative, the Regional Growth Partnership and JobsOhio.
“Church & Dwight’s continued investment in Seneca County underscores the strength of Northwest Ohio’s manufacturing workforce and the confidence global brands have in Ohio’s ability to deliver quality, reliability and innovation. This $28 million expansion and the 40 new jobs demonstrate the powerful collaboration between JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership and Seneca County to assist Church & Dwight’s ongoing growth in the region.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
Production with the new detergent line is expected to begin in early 2027.
“Church & Dwight has been a cornerstone of our local economy for decades, and this expansion shows their continued confidence in the workforce and business climate here in Seneca County,” said Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart. “We’re proud to see a long-standing employer choosing to reinvest locally and create new opportunities for our residents.”
About the Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.