Fuyao’s announcement regarding the addition of a USD 130 million after-market glass production operation will bring 750 new jobs to the Dayton area. At the same time, Safelite AutoGlass, one of the largest users of after-market glass for repair and replacement, says the Fuyao announcement will mean shorter delivery times – a major plus for the company.
Fuyao’s USD 360 million project in Moraine, Ohio, seems to already have an eye on its first client in the area.
The company’s announcement regarding the addition of a USD 130 million after-market glass production operation will bring 750 new jobs to the Dayton area. But it could, says one of the company’s existing clients, also set the stage for growth.
Safelite AutoGlass, based in Columbus, is one of the largest users of after-market glass for repair and replacement. Dino Lanno, senior vice president of supply chain for Safelite, says the Fuyao announcement will mean shorter delivery times – a major plus for the company.
Safelite Group Inc. is one of the top 10 largest privately-held companies in Ohio, with close to 11,100 employees – 1,700 in central Ohio – and revenue in 2013 of USD 1.2 billion.
“We currently buy aftermarket glass from all over the world, including Fuyao’s existing manufacturing facilities in China as well as from Safelite’s own plant in Enfield, N.C,” Lanno said. “It can take 12 weeks to receive parts from China, so having another US manufacturer will reduce the lead time to acquire parts – which also improves our predictive analytics on which parts will be needed.”
Fuyao’s major investment in Ohio is already a success for one of its local companies. Glasstech Inc., based near Toledo, has provided parts and major equipment for Fuyao operations around the world, and Fuyao has taken orders for equipment for Moraine.