The largest brass rod manufacturing company in North America has announced plans to expand its operations in Northwest Ohio.
Wieland Chase, LLC, with headquarters in Montpelier, Ohio, will invest nearly $27 million and is expected to eventually create 43 new jobs to support the company’s entry into a new market to expand production. The project will include a 17,000 square-foot plant expansion.
“Our goal is to position Wieland Chase as a significant supplier of ordnance wire in North America and establish Wieland as the only manufacturer capable of supplying all forms of brass to the ammunition market, including strip and cup, as well as wire. This expansion will help us diversify our product offering and customer base beyond the traditional brass rod market.”
– Thomas Christie, President, Wieland Chase
The company began operations in Williams County in 1965, producing a single alloy and a single product, brass rod. Since then, the company has grown significantly to include two foundries, as well as forging and ingot production. The Montpelier facility now produces more than 15 different alloys on site and offers an expanded product line manufactured at other Wieland facilities.
Wieland Chase products are used in a variety of industries, including building and household, industrial machinery and equipment, transportation, and electrical & electronics.
As a significant, well-respected company in Northwest Ohio, Wieland Chase has made numerous investments in Williams County over the years, further establishing this region as a prime manufacturing location. Over the last five years, Northwest Ohio’s manufacturing industry has generated $5 billion in capital investment and created more than 9,000 new jobs.
“Wieland Chase first invested in Northwest Ohio 60 years ago, and the multi-phase expansion represents how Northwest Ohio continues to be a place where it can innovate its product portfolio efficiently. With this expansion in Montpelier, Wieland Chase will create 43 new jobs and diversify production for its growing customer base nationwide.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
Company officials credited the skilled and dedicated Wieland Chase workforce as a significant factor in their decision to choose Montpelier for this new project. They also recognized the collaboration among the local and regional economic development partners in effectively and efficiently moving the project forward.
“Businesses continue to make remarkable investments in Williams County, and we’re proud to support them every step of the way,” said Ashley Epling, executive director, Williams County Economic Development. “Wieland Chase has been a valued part of our community for more than 60 years, and we’re pleased to continue supporting their growth and long-term success.”
Christie said the multi-phase expansion project is expected to begin operation in Spring of 2027.
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.