Piston Automotive chooses Avon for new operation

Piston Automotive Will open a store in Avon.

The company supplies powertrain systems, pre-cooling systems, chassis systems, BEV and PHEV battery packs and interior systems to the automotive industry.

The statement said former NBA and Detroit Pistons star Vinnie Johnson founded the company to serve major automakers and related original equipment suppliers.

Piston Group LLC is a minority-owned organization and is the largest African American-owned automotive supplier and the 24th largest automotive OEM supplier in the United States, according to the press release.

Piston Automotive said in a statement that the new operation in Avon will provide a total capital investment of more than $9.7 million and create 79 new jobs.

The Ohio Department of Development reportedly approved the project for tax credit assistance at a Sept. 23 meeting of the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.

The decision to open new operations is a reflection of the significant growth provided by the company’s partnership with Ford Motor Co., the statement said.

“The City of Avon provides us with an excellent opportunity to execute on our continued strategic growth plan in Ohio by leveraging the state’s strong workforce development initiatives and overall economic commitment to the automotive sector,” Mamadou Diallo, CEO of Piston Group, said in a press release. “We thank Ford Motor Co. and the Ohio Department of Development for their continued support and recognition of our expansion and partnership.”

A collaborative team including the City of Avon, Lorain County, ONE Lorain County, Ohio Department of Transportation Jobs and Commerce, ODOD, JobsOhio and Team NEO worked with administrators to bring this expansion to Lorain County.

“The announcement that Piston Automotive is coming to Avon is a testament to Team NEO and JobsOhio’s commitment to building jobs in NE Ohio,” Avon Mayor Bryan K. Jensen said in the press release.

“We would like to welcome Piston Automotive to the City of Avon and look forward to working together to build a stronger future for the city, county and region.”

Lisa Hutson, Lorain County Manager, said her agency is excited that Piston Automotive has chosen Lorain County as their new home.

“The automotive industry continues to be the backbone of our manufacturing sector, and we look forward to finding the talent and other resources needed to support their growth through our partnership with Piston,” Hutson said in the press release.

Lorain County Commissioner David Moore commented on how the impact of the project will reverberate throughout the county.

“It is a privilege to welcome Piston Automotive to Avon,” Moore said in the press release. “This decision highlights the attractiveness of Lorain County as a destination for business investment thanks to our talented workforce and supportive business environment.

“We are confident that Piston Automotive will thrive here and contribute to the economic development of our community.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation is providing grants to cover the costs of road extensions for this project and future developments, the release said.

According to the statement, Piston Group currently employs approximately 10,000 people in more than 20 locations in North America.

The company reportedly made $3.2 billion in revenue last year.