Bucyrus, Ohio – Forge Fire & Company, a growing manufacturer newly operating in Bucyrus, has been awarded a $50,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant to support the company’s next phase of expansion. This investment will help the company scale its operations, enhance its production facility, and strengthen its long-term commitment to Crawford County.
Forge Fire & Company, which recently chose Bucyrus as its home, has quickly become an emerging partner in the local business community. The company’s leadership has been active in building relationships across the region and contributing to workforce and economic development conversations.
“We are a new business repurposing an old facility. This JobsOhio grant is being used immediately as we work with Kinn Brothers locally to retrofit a building heating system for our team,” said Carie Shepherd, Forge Fire & Company Cofounder and CFO.
The aligned economic development network—including the Crawford Partnership, JobsOhio, and Regional Growth Partnership—worked collaboratively to support Forge Fire & Company through the grant process. This assistance helped reinforce the company’s decision to invest in Crawford County with plans for creating an additional 30 jobs over the next three years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Forge Fire to Bucyrus and deeply appreciate their investment in our community,” said Makenna Laser, Executive Director for the Crawford Partnership. “Their growth is another example of the strength of Northwest Ohio’s business environment. The continued support from Regional Growth Partnership and JobsOhio positions Crawford County as a place where companies can grow, innovate, and succeed.”
About Forge Fire & Company
Forge Fire is the go-to choice for fire departments, academies, and training centers nationwide. Built by firefighters, for firefighters. Forge Fire designs modular, NFPA-compliant training systems for teams that demand the real thing. What started in 1985 with the very first Alpha Door has evolved into a relentless mission to transform firefighter training. Today, Forge Fire carries forward that foundation with a pioneering spirit, ensuring every product redefines what “realistic training” truly means.
About Crawford Partnership
The Crawford Partnership is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Crawford County a place where people seek to live and work through strategic economic and community development.
About Regional Growth Partnership (RGP)
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage.