BY: JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PLANT EXPANSION GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY … Ground was broken for the $27 million dollar Wieland Chase plant expansion project at its facility in Montpelier on Thursday, January 15. Taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony were officials from Wieland Chase. Construction for the project is expected to begin in April 2026.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
One of Northwest Ohio’s largest brass manufacturing companies broke ground for a major expansion project as Wieland Chase held its groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, January 15, at its facility located in Montpelier.
With company officials and other local dignitaries on hand, the project, described as the Future Home of Ammocast Brass Wire Production to produce small brass for ammunition, is expected to begin construction in April 2026. The completion target date for the project is June 2031.
The purpose of the Montpelier facility is to enter a new market and invest in expanding its capabilities to supply all forms of brass to the market.
Wieland Chase, President Thomas Christie, thanked those who were in attendance for the groundbreaking ceremony.
“This is an exciting day, and it’s certainly been in the planning for months, if not years, looking at opportunities to continue to grow and invest here in Montpelier,” said Christie.
“We’re certainly pleased to have all of you here. Community members, friends, employees, and it’s just a great team of people that all committed to making this business a success.”
Formerly known as Chase Brass Company, Wieland Chase has been an important major industry in Williams County since 1965. Christie commented that the company is fortunate to be in Montpelier, which he described as the “heart of our operations.”
“It’s been a great place for this organization to start, and we’re looking forward to continuing that for many decades to come,” said Christie.
Founded in 1820, the Wieland Corporation is a family-owned business who are also a group of shareholders with one vision in mind: to continue to grow this into the leader in copper fabrication in the world.
Locally, Wieland Chase has grown from producing a single brass rod alloy to operating a facility with two foundries, forging and ingot production, and more than 15 alloys produced on site. Products serve industries including building/household, industrial machinery, transportation, and electrical/electronics.
The plant expansion project, which costs roughly $27 million, is a major milestone for Wieland Chase involving 17,000 square feet and creating 43 new full-time hourly and salaried jobs.
The expansion is positioned as a long-term investment in Williams County, American manufacturing, and the skilled workforce that powers Wieland-Chase.
“The site was selected because of the demonstrated performance of the Chase business unit and our proven track record of quality, efficiency, customer service and innovation,” said Christie. “We’re not just expanding a plant, we’re investing in families, jobs and a brighter future right here.”
Leading the project team is Mike Tisovic, who is the project manager. Other members of the project team include Tom McNeil, Evan Wyse, Mark Sammons, Scott Schuerman, Jerry Evers, Jacob Haller, Hunter Clingaman, Hayden Haas, Zach VanDyke, Marcus Myers, Jack Horner, Zoe Koch, Emmett Blalock, Kay Bloyd-Howard and Jenna Wilson.
Currently, the engineering department is working with JDI Group on building design to meet commercial needs.
The goal for the project is to expand capabilities to include ordinance wire, positioning Wieland Chase as a significant supplier in North America and supporting the ability to supply all forms of brass to the ammunition market (strip, cup, and wire).
Its supply chain resistance is to project documents, noting the market currently has limited domestic supply and is projected to grow significantly by the early 2030’s as supply allows.
“Over the years, we’ve certainly seen some challenges in our core markets,” said Christie. “We’ve been fortunate enough to have strong support from Wieland to look at ways and hoping to invest in this business to grow and expand what we do here.”
Christie addressed the importance of Wieland Chase’s history in Montpelier, which dates to the 1960’s.
“They did a market study back in the 1960’s, and they found out the brass rod demand was centered in Montpelier, Ohio in North America,” said Christie.
“The performance of this business, the dedication of the labor force and the customer base has really allowed us to thrive and to succeed here. It’s the reason this location was selected for another investment.
“They’ve proven the ability to perform and have a strong partnership with the United Steel Workers, and they provide a strong, dedicated labor force for us, as well as the engineers, maintenance crews and the employees in general. We are very fortunate to have a great group of people to support this organization.”
Currently, the Wieland Corporation has over 10,000 employees worldwide, along with 85 locations, including 42 locations in the United States.
He also thanked the Williams County Economic Development Corporation and the regional growth partnership for their support in bringing the project to fruition.
The company was appreciative of the federal support for the project coming from U.S. House Representative Marcy Kaptur (Ohio 9th District) and Montpelier native and U.S. Senator Jon Husted.
“Being strong supporters for us in Washington to allow us to invest in this area and really grow and invest in the community,” said Christie. “That has been a priority for us.”
Lori Brodie, who serves as the Northwest Ohio District Director for Ohio U.S. Senator Jon Husted, presented a proclamation to Christie on behalf of Husted.
“He’s (Husted) is really proud of being a product from Northwest Ohio and offered his congratulations,” said Brodie. “This is a significant investment, and it is a lot of money.
“It’s awesome they have chosen Montpelier here, and so thankful to the company for sure. Thankful to the people that are such a great workforce here, and it’s impressive to be the largest in North America.
“On behalf of Senator Husted and Northwest Ohio, thank you for all of this. This just makes us a better place.”
Kaptur virtually recorded a video offering her congratulations on the plant expansion. “I am thrilled to join you virtually today as we break ground on Wieland Chase’s major $27 million expansion right here in Williams County,” she said.
“It isn’t every day that we celebrate new manufacturing jobs in America. I’m so proud of you, the hard-working and dedicated men and women of the United Steel Workers who worked tirelessly day in and day out to make Wieland Chase what it is.”
Christie pointed out that none of this would be possible without the community of Montpelier.
“We are fortunate this community is made up of a bunch of citizens that are just very hard working, very committed, a lot of grit, a lot of perseverance and pride,” said Christie.
“That is the reason this organization is successful. The culture of the people here is what has allowed, for decades now, this organization to have the success we have.
“We’re not just investing in a plant; we’re investing in the community and the future.”