By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The energy under the tent was compared to a 20-minute ride on a Peloton bike.
The CEO sported a pair of sneakers with his business suit. The first speaker was a yoga and meditation instructor – familiar to many who work out on Peloton exercise equipment.
“This is really big,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said before the Peloton groundbreaking program started this morning. “They could have taken this anywhere. But they came to Northwest Ohio.”
Wood County and Troy Township had what Peloton was looking for – a strong workforce, infrastructure already in place, and a location that is one day’s drive from 60% of the U.S. population.
Local and state dignitaries filled the tent to make it official – breaking ground for Peloton’s new manufacturing plant of 1 million square feet, on 200 acres in Troy Township, north of Pemberville.
The plant, which will produce Peloton bikes and treadmills, will employ an estimated 2,147 people. Peloton plans to invest $400 million in the plant that is expected to be up and running by the first quarter of 2023.
The company plans to complete its hiring by 2025, with employees needed for the factory floor, skilled labor and management. The plant is expected to have a projected annual payroll of $138 million.
This will be the first large manufacturing facility built by Peloton in the U.S.
Peloton CEO and co-founder John Foley talked about the company’s start 10 years ago.
“We wanted to make sure everyone could prioritize their health,” in spite of their busy schedules, he said.
“I’m very proud to bring jobs and manufacturing back to stateside,” Foley said.
Peloton focuses on its members and employees – just surpassing Google for its workplace culture in New York City, he said.
“We are committed to being a great place to work,” Foley said.
Peloton President William Lynch said company culture is important.
“We take that responsibility seriously – providing for families, providing jobs,” he said.
Lynch said company officials were looking at sites in North Carolina, Arkansas and Michigan.
“We looked everywhere,” he said. “We landed in Ohio.”
When DeWine rose to speak, he pointed to the earthmoving equipment already working at the site.
“There’s a lot of dirt being moved around,” the governor said.
DeWine praised local officials for having the pieces in place to bring Peloton to Wood County.
“They chose to put it right here,” DeWine said. “You can be very proud of that. The people of Wood County and the township had the vision.”
“That sends a signal to everyone – Ohio is open for business,” he said.
DeWine talked about the jobs to be created at the site.
“That’s about 2,200 families whose lives are going to be changed for the better,” the governor said.
Congressman Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, pointed to the region’s access to water, utilities and an educated workforce.
“I want to thank Peloton for picking our area. It’s a great choice,” Latta said.
“This is definitely a great win for Ohio and Northwest Ohio,” said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. And it only occurred because officials had made the preparations.
“We were prepared when Peloton came knocking,” Husted said.
He told of Peloton officials looking at other states, and asking Ohio officials if they could deliver. “Look,” he said, pointing to the earthmoving equipment working on the site. “That’s delivering, right out there.”
State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, talked about the Troy Township plant being the first U.S. manufacturing site for Peloton.
“That underscores this area has been doing it right,” she said.
State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, R-Perrysburg, talked about the impact the plant would have on workers.
“This is something that is going to have a generational impact,” he said. “The good hard-working men and women of Northwest Ohio will not disappoint.”
Wood County Commissioner Doris Herringshaw also talked about the local workforce.
“They will build you a fantastic building,” she said.
“We are excited to have Peloton as a new neighbor,” Herringshaw said.
Troy Township Trustee KIen Recker said when he looked at the program for the groundbreaking, he wasn’t sure what he could add that the state dignitaries hadn’t already said. So he kept it short and sweet.
“Welcome to Troy Township. We’re excited to have you guys here,” Recker said. While at the Wood County Fair last week, Peloton was a big topic of conversation, he added. “It just blows my mind.”
When Recker was first elected as township trustee 12 years ago, the acreage along Pemberville Road was all farmland. Now it is home to Home Depot, NSG, Troy Energy – and soon Peloton.
That means local youth won’t have to move out of the area to find jobs, Recker said.
“They are going to be able to have good paying jobs right here,” he said.
Wood County Auditor Matt Oestreich said the plant will be great for the county.
“It’s going to add to the tax base,” he said, though not immediately because of a 100% property tax abatement granted for the next 15 years. But both Eastwood and Penta school districts will start collecting immediately, Oestreich said. Eastwood School District will get $389,000 annually and Penta Career Center will get $43,000 annually.
Plus, “creating that many jobs is huge,” Oestreich said.
“It’s a phenomenal opportunity for Wood County, for the employees, for Troy Township,” Herringshaw said.
Peloton locating here will put the county on the map for other development, she said.
“It really sets us apart. I really believe this is the beginning of things to come.”
Bowling Green State University President Rodney Rogers said the Peloton plant could offer learning opportunities.
“There’s great potential to continue to grow programs and find opportunities for our students,” Rogers said. “We’re excited to welcome a new manufacturer to the region.”
