A leader in specialty semi-trailers and crane attachments has announced plans for a significant expansion at its Northwest Ohio facility.

Nelson Manufacturing, located in Ottawa, Ohio, will undertake a multi-million investment for a new facility designed to enhance productivity, capabilities and efficiencies.

The company currently employs 90 people and expects to hire an additional 18 for this project.

President Tony Niese said the company plans to hire for a variety of positions including engineering, project management and assembly. The new 73,000 square-foot facility will allow for grit blasting, painting and assembly.

“We do design, engineering, testing and complete assembly of the trailer before anything ships,” Niese said.

Recognizing the workforce at Nelson Manufacturing, Niese highlighted the employees’ talent, mindset and can-do attitude.

“The workforce here – they want to be here, they want to build something great. They want to build something they’re proud of. And they’re willing to put the work in, and they’re smart enough and perfectly capable of doing it.”

– Tony Niese, President, Nelson Manufacturing

He added that the JobsOhio Loan proved very valuable for the company in securing funding and providing peace of mind.

“Nelson Manufacturing is a recognized leader in producing specialized trailers and crane attachments for aerospace equipment, and its expanded facility in Ottawa will help this family-owned company improve its productivity and better serve its customers,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “Nelson’s investment extends Ohio’s aerospace footprint in the northwest part of the state, creating 18 new jobs and strengthening the sector’s supply chain with talent from Putnam County.”

Along with JobsOhio, key partners in moving the project forward included the Regional Growth Partnership, Putnam County CIC and the Port Authority of Northwestern Ohio.

“Nelson Manufacturing has a long history in Putnam County and we’re thrilled the company has committed to continuing its growth here where it began in 1947. We look forward to seeing the new capabilities Nelson will have to serve the aerospace and trailer industries as a result of their expansion.”

– Amy Sealts, Economic Development Director, Putnam County CIC


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.

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.