PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
NEW SIGN … Representatives of Integrion Automation and Steelcrest Precision join Wauseon Mayor Kathy Huner, city employees and Parks and Recreation personnel at Biddle Park while displaying a ceremonial $20,000 check for youth recreation programs. The companies also unveiled an updated sponsorship sign recognizing their shared history as Wauseon Machine.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Integrion Automation and Steelcrest Precision donated a combined $20,000 to Wauseon Parks and Recreation during a sign-unveiling ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Biddle Park.
The two companies, which operated as Wauseon Machine until they separated Jan. 1, 2026, each contributed $10,000 from their joint Helping Hands Fund. The fund was built in part through $1-per-week contributions from employees.
The donation will help children and families who otherwise might not be able to afford registration for the city’s pee wee sports leagues.
Parks and Recreation may also use the money for team T-shirts, new equipment, facility maintenance and improvements or repairs to the park’s ball diamonds, football fields and other recreational areas.
“It’s amazing. All I can say is, it’s amazing,” Wauseon Mayor Kathy Huner said. “First of all, it’s for kids, which is always a strong part of my heart.
“When somebody sees a need and sees a purpose, it’s just wonderful that they’re willing to step up and give to this program.”
Huner said local children can use all the support the community is able to provide and expressed appreciation for the companies’ investment.
Integrion CEO Craig Rossman said he and Steelcrest CEO Mickey Johnson considered several opportunities to put the Helping Hands money to use in the community. Supporting Parks and Recreation quickly emerged as one of their leading choices.
“A lot of employees and their families participate and use the fields, so we thought this would be a great example of one area where we could help out,” Rossman said.
Despite Wauseon Machine’s recent division into two companies, Rossman said both businesses remain firmly rooted in Wauseon.
“Wauseon Machine has been in the community a long time,” he said. “It’s gone through a bit of a change over the last few years, and now we’ve split the company into Integrion and Steelcrest.
“But still, a lot is obviously rooted in the community, so we’re really excited to be able to help out Parks and Recreation.”
The companies also unveiled an updated sponsorship sign replacing the Wauseon Machine sign that had stood at Biddle Park for many years.
The original sponsorship was intended to last a lifetime, according to Integrion Human Resources representative Keri Luderman.
The new sign displays the names of Integrion Automation and Steelcrest Precision while preserving their connection to Wauseon Machine.
Its message reads, “Formerly Wauseon Machine. Proud of our past. Investing in our future.” Rossman said the sign continues the former company’s investment in the park while helping residents become familiar with the names and identities of its successors.
“We want to show what the new companies’ names are, so we can start to educate the community about what the companies now represent,” Rossman said.
Tomahawk Printing created the updated sign, which reflects the transition from Wauseon Machine to Integrion Automation and Steelcrest Precision.
For Integrion project manager Adam Meyer, the unveiling and donation showed that the two new companies remain committed to supporting the community they continue to call home. “It feels great,” Meyer said. “It’s nice to give back to the community.”