Wieland Chase expands northwest Ohio facility

The Wieland Group, headquartered in Ulm, Germany, has broken ground at its Wieland Chase facility in Montpelier, Ohio, having hosted a groundbreaking event Jan. 15. The brass rod manufacturing facility will build a new $27 million 17,000-square-foot plant dedicated to expanding semifinished brass and copper production exclusively in the U.S.

Through this investment, designed to add capacity for ammunition ordnance wire manufacturing, Wieland says it is the first company to break ground in the U.S. since the Trump administration took policy action designed to restore U.S. dominance in the semifinished and finished copper product sector.

Wieland formed Wieland Chase in 2019 when it acquired Global Brass and Copper Holdings Inc.(GBC), Schaumburg, Illinois, a producer of sheet, strip, foil, rod, tube and fabricated metal components sold under the Olin Brass, Chase Brass and A.J. Oster brand names. The Wieland Chase facility began operating in Williams County in 1965, producing a single alloy and product. Over six decades, it has grown considerably to include forging and ingot production, two foundries and the capabilities to create more than 15 different alloys on-site, according to the company.

"This is more than just breaking ground on a building; it's about our commitment to American manufacturing," says Wieland Chase President Thomas Christie in a news release about the groundbreaking. "Our goal is to position Wieland Chase as a significant supplier of brass wire in North America and to expand Wieland’s capabilities to service the full breadth of products to the ammunition market."

At the groundbreaking event, he said, "Our team here in northwest Ohio is exceptional, and this expansion is a testament to their skill, dedication and commitment to manufacturing excellence."

Initial operations of the multiphase project will begin in spring 2027, with the remaining phases wrapping up by 2031. The new expansion will broaden production capabilities and is expected to create 43 new well-paying manufacturing jobs in Williams County over time.

The latest investment in Williams County follows Wieland Group’s strategy to significantly expand its U.S. manufacturing capabilities. The company is investing approximately $600 million in East Alton, Illinois, to build an advanced production facility for semifinished copper products in North America. Wieland also is commissioning a state-of-the-art recycling center in Shelbyville, Kentucky, marking an important milestone in securing a reliable and sustainable domestic supply of critical copper products.

The groundbreaking event in Montpelier brought together company leaders, employees, company and economic development partners and elected officials.