One of the largest privately held logistics companies in the Midwest will take a lead role in spearheading further development in Northwest Ohio.
Ohio Logistics has announced plans to develop two 100,000 square-foot facilities in Lima. The construction of these spec buildings is expected to generate immediate interest and ultimately attract new business to Allen County.
The two spec buildings will go up in Lima’s Gateway Commerce Park, right off I-75. Clouse Construction will partner with Ohio Logistics and build the facilities.
“We’ve gotten many inquiries from businesses that want to be along I-75. We’ve proven that with curbside-ready land and buildings, businesses will come.”
– Chuck Bills, President & CEO, Ohio Logistics
Founded in 1988, the Findlay-based company specializes in logistics and supply chain management providing warehousing, distribution and transportation services. Ohio Logistics has 35 locations in five states with 9 million square feet of space under its umbrella.
Ohio Logistics received a grant in support of the project through the Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP) provided by JobsOhio. OSIP provides grants and low-interest loans for speculative, job-ready development projects with no identified end user. Its purpose is to fill gaps in Ohio’s real estate inventory with real estate targeting near term sector wins to ensure the state is more competitive for site selection projects. The Regional Growth Partnership helped facilitate the grant to spur event further development along the I-75 corridor.
“Ohio Logistics’ investment in speculative buildings at the Gateway Commerce Park comes with close public and private sector collaboration and a local vision of attracting more businesses to Allen County,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef.
“With assistance from JobsOhio’s Ohio Site Inventory Program, the two new 100,000 square-foot facilities provide easy access to the region’s talent and the I-75 corridor, making it highly attractive for logistics companies looking to scale their operations.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President & CEO
Bills noted the significance of spec buildings in meeting the speed-to-market requirements of businesses. He envisions growing supplier-like campuses in Allen County and across Northwest Ohio where specs and curbside-ready sites are available for vendors and suppliers “right in the backyards of our companies.”
“We want companies to know we are prepared to respond to their supplier needs” he said, while also recognizing the importance of the OSIP program. “Without those dollars, we would not be able to put these types of projects together. It allows us to be more cost competitive.”
In addition to JobsOhio, Bills complimented the collaborative efforts of local economic development groups in helping facilitate the project, including the Regional Growth Partnership and Allen Economic Development Group.
“Ohio Logistics’ decision to invest in Gateway Commerce Park is a powerful statement about Allen County’s future,” said Cindy Leis, President/CEO, Allen Economic Development Group. “These new buildings will open the door for businesses ready to move quickly, create quality jobs, and contribute to the vibrant economy we’re building in Allen County. This project reflects our shared vision of making Allen County a place where companies want to be and people are proud to live.”
Construction of the two spec buildings is expected to begin in spring 2026.
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.