First Quality Home Care Products, LLC has announced plans to open a new production facility in Archbold, Ohio in Fulton County, the second major investment in Northwest Ohio by the First Quality Group of companies (“First Quality”) in the past year.
The company anticipates beginning their project in 2028 and currently estimates the project will require investment of up to $300 million to transform an existing building into an advanced manufacturing facility, providing significant benefits and growth to the community, including the creation of 400 new jobs.
Jim Dodge, Chief Financial Officer at First Quality, said, “The addition of a new Home Care Products location in Northwest Ohio represents an important step in building the long-term foundation for this division. Beyond increasing our capacity, this site will strengthen our ability to deliver the quality and value customers expect from First Quality.”
First Quality is a family-owned diversified group of companies manufacturing, selling and distributing high-quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and employing more than 5,000 people across the U.S. and Canada. The company’s product portfolio for retailers, consumers and commercial industries includes adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene pads, baby diapers, disposable wipes, consumer paper products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, dishwashing solutions and flexible packaging.
Last year, First Quality announced a $984 million investment in a new tissue and towel manufacturing facility in Defiance County, Ohio, with plans for over 400 new jobs at that location. The plant is expected to be operational in 2028. Together, the two investments represent nearly $1.3 billion committed to Northwest Ohio by First Quality — an unmistakable signal of confidence in the region’s workforce, infrastructure, and business climate.
“When it first chose to invest in Ohio just over one year ago, First Quality found a skilled workforce, an ideal location, and a state committed to its long-term success. This second investment demonstrates the strength of an ongoing partnership that is delivering growth for First Quality and 400 new jobs for Ohioans.”
– Governor Mike DeWine
First Quality representatives cited Northwest Ohio as a strategic location to balance their east and west coast footprint in the U.S., improving logistics and service for their customers. “Our investment in Northwest Ohio reflects our continued commitment to the people and communities of this region,” said Dodge. “We are grateful to our local partners for their collaboration and support as we continue to grow our U.S. operations.”
“First Quality’s decision to return to Northwest Ohio with another transformative investment speaks volumes to the strength of this region and its workforce. From Defiance to Fulton Counties, First Quality is building something exceptional in Ohio, and its consecutive commitments reflect an environment where manufacturers can grow, compete and thrive.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
Ohio is one of the nation’s premier destinations for manufacturers looking to grow, compete, and build for the long term. Home to the third-largest manufacturing workforce in the United States — nearly 700,000 workers — and a manufacturing sector that leads all industries as the single largest contributor to Ohio’s GDP, the state offers the proven talent, infrastructure, and business climate that companies need to scale. With manufacturing GDP exceeding $133 billion and the lowest manufacturing taxes in the Midwest, Ohio gives manufacturers a genuine cost and competitive advantage from day one. Add in the fact that 60 percent of the U.S. and Canadian populations are within a single day’s drive, and it’s clear why Ohio has earned recognition as the No. 1 state in the Midwest for doing business — an environment where manufacturers don’t just locate, they thrive.
State, local, and regional partners worked collaboratively to bring this project to Fulton County, including JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership, and Fulton County Economic Development.
“I’m thrilled to welcome First Quality to Archbold – a family-owned business that will create 400 high-quality jobs, providing a significant boost to our local economy and supporting families throughout the region,” said Jim Wyse, executive director, Fulton County Economic Development. “This job commitment is the largest Fulton County has seen tied to a project in many years, and we’re excited to partner with First Quality as they build a brighter future here.”
About First Quality
Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family-owned company that has grown from a small business in McElhattan, Pennsylvania, into a group of companies that employ more than 5,000 team members. With operations across the U.S. and Canada, First Quality provides high-quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations as well as flexible packaging solutions and high-definition printing. For more information, visit www.firstquality.com.
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.