A leading solar racking company has announced plans for a significant expansion in Northwest Ohio. APA Solar, based in Ridgeville Corners, Henry County, will build a new headquarters at that location and also open a new manufacturing facility in Bryan, Williams County.
The company will invest $19.5 million and hire 133 people as part of the expansion. Construction for the new 30,000 square-foot headquarters will begin soon, with completion expected in early 2026.
APA Solar was founded in 2008 as a spin-off of its automotive parent company, Alex Products. The company has grown into an industry leader with its unique solutions and now has more than 200 employees, having established itself as one of the largest fixed-tilt racking manufacturers in the United States.
“The renewable energy industry is growing rapidly and APA continues to grow with it. APA has been in business 17 years and is one of the top manufacturers in the solar racking hardware space. Northwest Ohio has been a great location for APA due to the large amount of local manufacturing to help support our supply chain, along with great skilled employees.”
– Josh Von Deylen, CEO, APA Solar
The company has made numerous investments over the years into its Northwest Ohio operations. Just two years ago, APA Solar invested more than $10 million to upgrade, expand and modernize its Henry County facility, a project which led to the addition of 110 new jobs. That expansion included construction of a state-of-the-art engineering complex.
“We understand the value Northwest Ohio offers our company,” Von Deylen said. “This region has a strong work ethic with much talent. We enjoy being part of the community we live and work in.”
The company complimented the collaborative efforts of local, regional and state economic development groups in moving the project forward, including JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership, Henry County Community Improvement Corporation and Williams County Economic Development Corporation.
“APA Solar’s investment in people and capital strengthens Ohio’s reputation as a national leader in our nation’s production supply chain. As a homegrown company, APA Solar’s decision to expand in Northwest Ohio shows how our state’s skilled workforce, supportive manufacturing environment, and strong business climate converge to create opportunities for long-term success.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
Construction on the new headquarters will begin later this year. The company is expected to begin operations in Bryan this summer.
Additional remarks on APA Solar’s Northwest Ohio Investment Project:
Jennifer Arps, Executive Director, Henry County Community Improvement Corporation
“APA Solar’s decision to invest in a new corporate facility and choosing Ridgeville Corners and Henry County for their location, along with their already successful manufacturing facility, is a testament to the favorable business climate and skilled workforce available in Henry County and the surrounding region. Their new investment and job creation will not only enhance the local community but also create a positive ripple effect throughout our economy. APA Solar’s focus on sustainable energy solutions aligns with the growing global demand for renewable energy and positions Ridgeville Corners as a hub for innovation in this critical sector. Their continued presence and growth will undoubtedly attract further investment and talent to the NW Ohio area. We are proud to have APA Solar here in Henry County.”
Ashley Epling, Executive Director, Williams County Economic Development Corporation
“The success of APA Solar’s expansion into Bryan highlights the power of strong partnerships. Thanks to collaboration at the local, regional, and state levels, this project will bring 80 new manufacturing jobs and $5.37 million in payroll to our community over the next three years. Williams County continues to prove it’s not just a place to do business — it’s a place to grow.”
Carrie Schlade, Mayor, City of Bryan
“The City of Bryan and Bryan Municipal Utilities are proud to welcome APA Solar to 633 Commerce Drive, bringing 80 new jobs over the next three years. This investment marks a strong step forward following NASG’s closure and reflects our shared commitment to growth and sustainability. Special thanks to APA Solar, JobsOhio, RGP, and WEDCO for making this project possible.”
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.