Local company invests $35M in new division

PORT CLINTON — A recent grand opening event celebrated a longstanding family-run company's $35 million investment in Port Clinton. Earlier this month, LogistiQ — pronounced "logistic," it's a division of LEWCO, headquartered in Sandusky — hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new 750,000-square-foot site at 5225 W. Lakeshore Drive in Port Clinton. LEWCO, which manufactures industrial ovens and unit-handling conveyors, represents LogistiQ's parent company. LogistiQ specifically focuses on manufacturing conveyors and other material-handling solutions for the retail, e-commerce and distribution industries. "With the e-commerce industry booming, LEWCO launched the LogistiQ division in 2021 to provide comprehensive vertically integrated solutions for e-commerce material handling," according to a company statement. Vertical integration references a strategy, which allows a company to streamline its operations by taking direct ownership of various stages in the production process rather than relying on external contractors or suppliers. The Guerra family owns both LEWCO and LogistiQ. This family-owned business "is known for providing turn-key solutions, encompassing strategic planning, design, manufacturing, installation and service," the statement read. LEWCO's executives intend on passing on these principles to LogistiQ. "Formerly known to be a World War II depot, the 750,000-square-foot space went under extensive renovations to now be its state-of-the-art production and office space," a statement read, referencing the Port Clinton site. LogistiQ prides itself on the following words: curious, innovative, meticulous, inclusive, collaborative, honest, reliable and efficient. "However, these are not able to be held true without having a great team that houses these same core values," the statement read. Making sense of the dollars and cents Regarding the $35 million investment: • About $20 million went toward purchasing the building and renovation work "Our 750,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is dedicated to keeping the small parcel distributing work moving full speed ahead," the statement read. "A large-capacity facility was needed to house every department: fabrication, machining, roller and pulley manufacturing, panel building, robotic welding, automated powder line and assembly." • About $15 million went toward new machinery and production equipment, such as lasers, press brakes, robotic welders, saws and more; This work aims to improve both quality and lead time for products. "These systems provided what is needed to keep businesses in the e-commerce disturbing industry running smoothly thanks to expanded engineering services, precision fabrication and customized design solutions." Sounding off A pair of executives talked about the significance of LogistiQ: "It was important to us to keep the expansion of our business in (this region of) Ohio. We're impressed with the level of local talent we've been able to find in Ottawa County." — Jerry Guerra, president of LogistiQ and co-owner of LEWCO "I feel honored to be a part of the third generation. After 10 years working in corporate America, I have a different perspective on our family business and what makes us special. Innovation is in our DNA not only in our products but in the way we solve problems, the way we collaborate (and) the way we build culture. Innovation is what separates us from our competition." — Emily Martucci (Guerra), vice president of LogistiQ History lesson Here's a quick look at LEWCO's origins and rise: • In 1973, Tony Guerra became the sole owner of the Ohio Welding Co., which was renamed to Lake Erie Welding. The Ohio Welding Co. was founded in 1917. • In 1985, Tony's two sons, Ron and Jerry Guerra, joined the business full-time. • In 1994, the company was renamed to LEWCO as standard conveyor and oven product lines were introduced. • In 2002, Tony retired. Ron and Jerry became its co-owners. • In 2015, LEWCO introduced a new conveyor product called R.E.D., short for retail, e-commerce and distribution • In 2017, LEWCO celebrated 100 years in business, and the third generation joined the family business: Emily Martucci (Guerra), Jessica Tinus (Guera), Thom Guerra and Jude Guerra. • In 2019, LEWCO tripled in size due to its growing R.E.D. business. More than 100 employees are hired. • In 2021, LEWCO purchased and renovated a 750,000-square-foot facility in Port Clinton to support its growth. • In 2022, a new division of LEWCO is launched, called LogistiQ. The name LogistiQ is inspired by intelligent sources for the logistics industry. Today LEWCO employs more than 300 people and operates three facilities in northern Ohio.