MORAINE, Ohio — The Miami Calley’s glass industry is half full, thanks to a new major investment by the Chinese company Fuyao.
- The money will be put into the Moraine facility, which comes with the promise of 100 new jobs
- The project includes investment for research development, as well as equipment overhaul to help expedite their glassmaking output
- 2019 saw record profits for the company and the CEO says their investment in Ohio is a sign of continued growth
“We are proud that you are going to continue to expand here,” said Governor Mike DeWine (R-Ohio).
Governor Mike DeWine, along with business leaders from Fuyao, announced the $46 million investment Monday, which will tack on an additional 100 jobs to the already robust workforce.
“Today, this is the largest automotive glass manufacturing facility in the world, where 2300 Ohioans are on the job, getting benefits, and breathing new life into this neighborhood. In total, you have invested nearly 600 million dollars to convert this plant into the world's largest glass production facility, and we are very proud of that,” said DeWine.
If you haven’t heard of Fuyao, chances are you’ve probably looked through one of their windshields.
They outfit cars like Jeep, Mazda, Dodge, Ford, Cadillac, Mercedes, Toyota and Jaguar.
They took over the Moraine plant back in 2014 —six years after GM shuttered its operation there.
According to State Representative Niraj Antani (R-Miami Township), Monday’s announcement is a sign of healthy growth.
“Fuyoa is one of our largest employers here in the Miami Valley already, having only started five years ago, I think this announcement shows not only the stability of Ohio’s economy, thanks to the work we’ve done in the legislature, but also the success of Fuyao, and so, another 100 new jobs shows that Fuyao is continuing to be successful, and will be more successful in the future.”
That success is evident.
According to its annual public report, the company raked in more than $341 million in operating revenue in 2018.
For Montgomery County Councilwoman Debbie Lieberman, it’s an example of a symbiotic Chinese-American partnership.
“I think that this sets a great example. An investor, like the chairman, isn’t afraid to continue to make investments here,” said Lieberman.
China Consul General Huang Ping agrees.
“We hope this will build up confidence for potential future investors on both way,” he said.
While Ohio sets an example of what works, back in Washington the president and Chinese leaders are expected to sign a deal next week to end the 18-monthlong trade war —potentially opening the door for more investments like these.