Sandusky County, Ohio – February 17, 2026 – The Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) and Autokiniton today announced a $313 million expansion of Autokiniton’s Bellevue manufacturing facility. The project will add roughly 215,000 square feet, install new production lines and state-of-the-art assembly equipment, upgrade rail access, and expand tooling and machinery. Work begins immediately and is expected to be completed in about 18 months. The expansion will create 97 new jobs and retain approximately 440 existing positions at the Bellevue plant.
Tom Lowe, Vice President of Operations at Autokiniton, said, “I am excited to announce the continued growth of our Bellevue, OH facility. This growth is a result of the hard work, dedication and continued success of the workforce in Bellevue and surrounding areas. This expansion reflects Autokiniton’s commitment to our customers and the power of partnership. We are grateful for the collaboration and support from Regional Growth Partnership, JobsOhio, the City of Bellevue, Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation, the Erie County Port Authority/GSP, the Ohio Rail Development Commission, workforce training partners, and the many local leaders and stakeholders who worked with us to make this investment possible.”
Autokiniton is a leading supplier of automotive components and assembly solutions to major vehicle manufacturers, including Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors, BMW and Stellantis. The company’s capabilities include advanced stamping, joining and welding, complex assemblies, and precision fabrication that serve both traditional and next-generation vehicle programs. This investment will double the Bellevue plant’s production capacity so Autokiniton can deliver new performance-critical assemblies to its customers and meet growing regional demand.
Autokiniton chose Bellevue because of the region’s clear advantages: a skilled, experienced workforce; strong transportation and rail infrastructure; proximity to key customers and suppliers; and a supportive business climate. Bellevue Mayor, Kevin Strecker, said, “I am genuinely excited that Autokiniton has chosen our city for their multi-million-dollar plant expansion. I want to thank the management team at Autokiniton for reinvesting in our community. Your commitment to the city has laid the foundation for another chapter in Bellevue.”
“The Erie County Port Authority supported this project through its Capital Lease program, delivering an estimated $835,000 in savings,” said Caleb Stidham, ECPA board member. “The Port Authority is excited to partner with businesses to promote job creation and economic growth throughout northern Ohio.”
The company also received a tax credit from the Ohio Department of Development, which was facilitated by JobsOhio and the Regional Growth Partnership. “Autokiniton’s latest investment in Bellevue will strengthen infrastructure surrounding the plant and provide cutting-edge technology that will improve efficiencies on the factory floor,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “The upgrades will bring nearly 100 new jobs to the Autokiniton facility while further bolstering the automotive supply chain in Northwest Ohio.”
The expansion will bring near-term construction work and longer-term career opportunities for the community. SCEDC and its partners will continue to support workforce training and placement, so Sandusky County residents are well positioned to fill the new roles and share in the economic benefits.
Beyond the immediate construction and equipment work, the expansion positions Bellevue and Sandusky County to capture higher-value manufacturing work and strengthen local supply chains, which benefits workers, suppliers and the broader community.
About SCEDC
The Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to workforce development, business retention and expansion, and business recruitment for Sandusky County. Our mission is to enhance the economic well-being of all residents and businesses within the county.
Media Contact
Kyleigh Lash
Communications and Project Administrator of SCEDC
2511 Countryside Dr. Suite C. Fremont, OH 43420
Tel: 419-332-2882
Email: communications@sanduskycountyedc.org