City honors Okamoto

SANDUSKY — Sandusky officials, local stakeholders and other regional leaders recently welcomed executives from Okamoto Sandusky Manufacturing to Sandusky City Hall. Locals recognized the company's ongoing investment and partnership in the community. Dick Brady, the city's ex officio mayor and on behalf of all commissioners, presented a proclamation of recognition, honoring Okamoto for its continued commitment to local job retention, facility investment and collaboration with Sandusky's government. Additionally, the Greater Sandusky Partnership also presented Okamoto with a certificate of membership, formally welcoming the company as an active member of the regional business community. Representatives from Okamoto in attendance include Kunihiko Okamoto, president and representative director of Okamoto Industries; Yuji Taniguchi, North American president of Okamoto North America; Eric Mansor, plant manager for Okamoto Sandusky Manufacturing; Shinya Okada; and Tsukasa Takikawa. The delegation expressed their gratitude to city officials for their partnership, presenting a gift to the city as a gesture of appreciation. In 2024, state funding from the Ohio Department of Development's Roadwork Development program was secured to support road improvements tied to Okamoto Sandusky Manufacturing's planned expansion on the west side. Additional support was provided through the Ohio Department of Transportation's jobs and commerce program, bringing total state investment to $875,000. The project upgraded Huron Street, Edgewater Avenue and West Monroe Street to handle increased truck traffic, including a full reconstruction of Huron Street and asphalt resurfacing on Edgewater and West Monroe. All roadway improvements were completed earlier this year. The partnership supported Okamoto through the expansion process by helping coordinate with local and state partners and guiding the incentive application. Okamoto Sandusky Manufacturing, located at 3130 W. Monroe St, produces high-quality synthetic leather materials for the automotive and transportation industries, supporting both North American and international markets. The company's recent investments will retain more than 130 jobs locally and add new positions as it expands operations in Sandusky. "We were excited to welcome Mr. Okamoto and his team to the city," Brady said. "The improvements on the west side show what we can get done when the city, the state, (the) Greater Sandusky Partnership and private businesses all work together," Brady added. "These upgrades support Okamoto's growth, help other businesses and residents and address infrastructure that needed attention. We're grateful for the partnership that made this possible." Added Eric Wobser, the partnership's CEO: "Okamoto's continued investment in Sandusky underscores the strength of our regional manufacturing base and the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors. We're proud to have Okamoto as part of our business community and look forward to their continued success in the region."