In early January, the 78,000 square foot facility at 240 Commerce Way in Upper 
Sandusky was acquired by Manufacturing Business Development Solutions LLC (MBDS) who is headquartered in Findlay, OH. The facility, which was previously leased by Bridgestone AMP Company, will be used for an expansion of MBDS’ manufacturing and assembly operations.
MBDS leadership worked with the WCOED extensively throughout the final quarter of 2013 as the company weighed potential expansion locations in Ohio and in the state of Kentucky. The turnaround time of information needed by the company and geographic location of Upper Sandusky aided in the decision of MBDS to choose Wyandot County as the location for its expansion. The WCOED, City of Upper Sandusky, and Regional Growth Partnership (NW Ohio JobsOhio partner) streamlined an offering of local and state assistance programs, which also helped to facilitate the move of MBDS to the Commerce Way facility.
On January 21st, Upper Sandusky city council unanimously approved a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreement with MDBS. The agreement solidified a 75% tax abatement on new real property improvements at the company’s new facility, which will last for 10 years. MBDS plans to invest $500,000 worth of improvements into the Commerce Way facility. Under the CRA agreement, the applicant also agrees to make payments in lieu of taxes to the effected school districts. WCOED Director Greg Moon and JobsOhio Project Manager John Recker attended the January meeting of the Ohio Tax Credit Authority where that board also unanimously approved a 40%, 6-year Job Creation Tax Credit for MBDS.
Through these local and state agreements, MBDS has committed to create 40 full-time positions, generating $915,000 in annual payroll within the next 36 months. The company estimates that hiring will begin in March. The expansion of MBDS into Upper Sandusky provides new local investment and income generation for the area as well as another valued manufacturer to the Wyandot County economy. The WCOED and local leaders look forward to a lasting relationship with MBDS and will continue to support the company’s profitable growth in Wyandot County.