RIDGEVILLE CORNERS, Ohio — Tiny Ridgeville Corners, an unincorporated community of less than 300 people, is getting a big investment from a company that sells steel racks for land-based solar panels nationally.
APA Solar, a family-owned business that was created in this part of northwest Ohio’s Henry County in 2008, plans to move into a modern 30,000-square-foot national headquarters here in early 2026.
It’s also building a manufacturing plant in Bryan at 633 Commerce Dr.
APA Solar is making a $19.5 million investment in northwest Ohio. The project is expected to bring 133 new jobs to the region, 80 of which will be at the Bryan plant.
The two projects are expected to generate more than $9.7 million in new annual payroll.
The state of Ohio is helping the projects move forward with a 1.644 percent, eight-year job creation tax credit recently approved by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.
“We’re growing very rapidly,” Josh Von Deylen, APA Solar’s chief executive officer, told The Blade. “The [solar] industry is a good place to be right now.”
APA has become one of the nation’s top manufacturers of solar panel racks and related hardware in the 17 years it has been in business.
The company is owned by Mr. Von Deylen, his brother, Joseph Von Deylen, and their father, David Von Deylen.
Another family member, Jake Von Deylen, works for APA Solar, too.
“It’s quite the family operation,” Josh Von Deylen said.
The investment in northwest Ohio was lauded Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.
“This is a win for our workers, our Great Lakes region, and America’s clean energy independent future,” Ms. Kaptur said. “APA Solar’s investment reinforces what we in northwest Ohio have always known: our skilled workforce and proud industrial legacy can drive the future of American innovation.”
Northwest Ohio “has been a great location for APA due to the large amount of local manufacturing to help support our supply chain, along with great skilled employees,” Mr. Von Deylen said.
APA Solar has more than 200 employees.
The company said it spent more than $10 million two years ago to upgrade, expand, and modernize its Henry County facility. That alone created 110 jobs.
“We understand the value northwest Ohio offers our company,” Mr. Von Deylen said in a news release.
The release quoted J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and chief executive officer, as stating that APA Solar’s investment “strengthens Ohio’s reputation as a national leader in our nation’s production supply chain.”
“As a homegrown company, APA Solar’s decision to expand in northwest Ohio shows how our state’s skilled workforce, supportive manufacturing environment, and strong business climate converge to create opportunities for long-term success,” he said.
Jennifer Arps, Henry County Community Improvement Corp. executive director, said APA Solar’s latest investment “will not only enhance the local community but also create a positive ripple effect throughout our economy.”
Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade said she welcomes APA Solar to her city.
First Published April 9, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
