Manufacturing project brings new jobs to Auglaize County

ST. MARYS — Loc Performance Products announced plans to expand their operational footprint and workforce at their manufacturing facility in St. Marys, Ohio. This expansion will involve creating 250 new jobs and retaining 450 current jobs in the next five years.

Headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, Loc Performance Products designs, develops, and manufactures CNC-machined components and assemblies for drivetrain and suspension systems used in both military and commercial industries.

In December 2021, Loc Performance finalized the acquisition of Continental’s St. Marys, Ohio facility, bringing it under U.S. ownership. The St. Marys’ facility manufactures rubber track products for agricultural, construction, and defense industries. The purchase of the 800,000-plus square foot facility allows Loc Performance to expand its manufacturing capabilities by integrating rubber application processes inhouse and increasing its market share in the agriculture commercial business and military track markets.

“We are excited to grow operations at the St. Marys’ facility,” said Loc Performance CEO, Lou Burr. “This project will help Loc Performance expand its commercial and military portfolio. We appreciate the support of JobsOhio, the Dayton Development Coalition, and the City of Saint Marys to help make this possible.”

Loc Performance is a prime defense contractor with the United States Army. This project allows Loc Performance to continue to support its military customers and expand its in-house abilities.

“The investment of Loc Performance Products brings a trusted defense contractor to Auglaize County,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO. “The St. Marys facility will create 250 new jobs essential to Loc Performance Products’ vertical integration to support commercial markets and the U.S. military.”

The facility, located at 1115 S Wayne St., will benefit the City of St. Marys and Auglaize County significantly. Loc Performance’s commitment to retain 450 current jobs at the facility ranks the company as one of the largest employers in the City of St. Marys.

“Loc Performance’s commitment to creating 250 additional jobs will be a huge benefit to our city,” said Michael Burkholder, City of St. Marys’ manager of industrial and community development. “Not only in payroll generated but the potential for new residents moving into St Marys as well. Loc Performance is a welcome addition to the city and this project will only help our community grow well into the future.”

With the acquisition of the St. Mary’s facility, LOC Performance has expanded its manufacturing footprint to over 1,750,000 square feet.

“We are excited that Loc Performance has chosen Ohio as the next place to expand their manufacturing footprint,” said the DDC’s Executive Vice President of Regional Development Julie Sullivan. “Loc Performance’s expansion is another example of the economic impact the military and federal sector has across the Dayton Region and Ohio.”