New location will bring 79 jobs to the Northeast Ohio Region
Piston Automotive, is a subsidiary of Piston Group LLC, a company also comprising Piston Interiors LLC, Detroit Thermal Systems LLC, and A. Lava. Piston Automotive was founded in 1996 as an automotive supplier. The company supplies powertrain systems, front-end cooling systems, chassis systems, BEV and PHEV battery packs, and interior systems for the automotive industry. The company was formed by former NBA and Detroit Pistons star Vinnie Johnson to serve major automakers and related OEM suppliers. Piston Group LLC is a minority-owned enterprise, the largest African American-owned automotive supplier, and the 24th-largest automotive OEM supplier in the U.S. Piston Automotive has announced plans to establish a new operation in Avon that will generate a total capital investment of more than $9.7 million and create 79 new jobs. The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) approved the project for tax credit assistance during its Ohio Tax Credit Authority meeting today.
The decision to open new operations is a testament to the company’s growth, driven significantly by its partnership with the Ford Motor Company.
“The City of Avon provided us the perfect opportunity to fulfill our continued strategic growth plan in Ohio by leveraging the state’s strong workforce development initiatives and overall economic commitment to the automotive industry,” says Mamadou Diallo, chief executive officer, Piston Group. “We appreciate Ford Motor Company and the Ohio Department of Development for their support and approval of our continued expansion and partnership.”
The collaborative team, including the city of Avon, Lorain County, ONE Lorain County, Ohio Department of Transportation Jobs & Commerce, ODOD, JobsOhio, and Team NEO, worked with leadership to bring this exciting expansion to Lorain County versus other states under consideration.
The City of Avon Mayor Bryan K. Jensen commented on the partnership, “The announcement of Piston Automotive coming to Avon is a testament to Team NEO and JobsOhio and their commitment to help build businesses in NE Ohio. Through their dedication and support of local communities and the desire to help these communities grow with thoughtful developments that bring jobs and investment to NE Ohio, this project would have not made it this day. We want to welcome Piston Automotive to the City of Avon and look forward to working together to build a stronger future for the City, County, and region alike.”
“ONE Lorain County is excited that Piston Automotive chose Lorain County as their new home,” commented One Lorain County Director Lisa Hutson, “The automotive industry continues to serve as the backbone of our manufacturing sector, and we look forward to partnering with Piston to find the talent and other resources required to support their growth.”
Lorain County Commissioner David Moore commented on how the project’s impact will resonate throughout the county. “It’s a privilege to welcome Piston Automotive to Avon. This decision underscores Lorain County’s attractiveness as a destination for business investment, thanks to our skilled workforce and supportive business environment. We are confident that Piston Automotive will thrive here and contribute to the economic development in our community.”
ODOT Jobs & Commerce provided a grant to offset costs to extend the road for this project and future development. “Projects like the Avon Commerce Parkway Extension improves safety, enhances the automative supply chain, and puts the state in a prime position for future electric vehicle production,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.
“We and our partners at JobsOhio welcome Piston Automotive’s first investment in Northeast Ohio, which has a rich legacy in the automotive industry,” added Team NEO Chief Executive Officer Bill Koehler. “With a foundation of more than 24,000 workers supporting the automotive industry in our region, we’re sure Piston Automotive will find the talent, education programs, innovation cluster groups, and other resources to be successful in Lorain County for years to come.”
About Piston Group
Piston Group, comprised of Piston Automotive, LLC, Piston Interiors, LLC, Detroit Thermal Systems, LLC, and newly acquired A. Lava & Son, LLC, is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan. It designs, engineers, assembles and manufactures a wide variety of automotive parts and systems. Piston Group was founded in 1995 by industry magnate and former NBA champion Vinnie Johnson, and is one of the largest private, minority-owned automotive suppliers in North America.
Today, Piston Group employs nearly 10,000 people at more than 20 locations across North America. Last year, the firm posted revenues of $3.2 billion. Visit www.pistongroup.com for more information.
About Team NEO
Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that ignites economic vibrancy, fosters sustainable growth, and champions equitable prosperity. As a designated JobsOhio Network Partner, we collaborate across all 14 counties in the Northeast Ohio Region to create strategies to attract and retain companies, drive innovation, cultivate a skilled workforce, advance market-ready sites, and promote and engage the region. To learn how Team NEO helps make Northeast Ohio more competitive, visit northeastohioregion.com.
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.