A world-class automotive manufacturer of power and manual seat adjusters and recliners has announced plans to expand its Northwest Ohio facility to better serve a growing customer base with future volume increases and EV line expansions.
Imasen Bucyrus Technology (IB-Tech) will invest more than $15 million into its Crawford County location to accommodate new equipment and streamline operations, leading to better efficiencies, quality and throughput. The project, which includes a 53,000 square-foot plant expansion, will create 170 new jobs for the Bucyrus, Ohio, business.
“This allows us to expand out stamping and painting processes to accept more capacity. This project also mitigates tariff and shipping risks by providing us more space to bring out-sourced items in-house.”
– Jeff Roe, assistant vice president of administration, IB-Tech
IB-Tech is a wholly owned subsidiary of Imasen Electric Industrial in Japan. The Bucyrus facility, which opened in 1997 and now employs 350 associates, produces power seat adjusters, manual seat adjusters, manual seat rails, reclining adjusters and recliners for automotive seat assemblies. Processes include stamping, welding, clinching, riveting, painting and assembly. The automotive supplier serves global OEMs including Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Acura, Mazda and Jeep.
Company representatives cited numerous factors in choosing to invest and expand operations at the Northwest Ohio facility, including geographic location, proximity to customer base, strong infrastructure and talent attraction.
“We have been in business in Northwest Ohio for approximately 30 years, and we’ve built a great partnership with this community which continues to support our consistent job growth,” Roe said.
He added that the regional infrastructure and stable workforce have allowed IB-Tech to meet all its goals, offering top quality, cost-effective and on-time products to customers.
“Ohio’s automotive industry continues to evolve as more manufacturers focus on EV product lines. IB-Tech’s new chapter of growth in the North American market will be bolstered by its robust manufacturing workforce in Crawford County.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
Along with JobsOhio, the company also recognized the support and collaboration of the local and regional economic development partners including the Regional Growth Partnership and Crawford Partnership.
“IB Tech’s continued confidence in Crawford County speaks volumes about the strength of our workforce and the momentum we’re building together,” said Makenna Laser, executive director, Crawford Partnership. “This project not only reinforces their long-standing commitment to the region but also reflects the collaborative environment our community has worked hard to cultivate.”
“The City of Bucyrus is deeply appreciative of IB Tech’s ongoing investment in our community,” said Bruce Truka, Mayor, city of Bucyrus. “We are proud of the opportunities this project will create for residents and families across Bucyrus.”
Overall building expansion will be completed in 2027, with additional new jobs added through 2029.
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.