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Lima Approves $12M AFS Facility, Creates 65 Jobs

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. a-approves-12m-afs-facility-creates-65-jobs.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 23:56 GMT by The Lima News, Ohio
      Locales: Lima, PERU

Lima, OH - February 12th, 2026 - The City of Lima has taken a significant step toward economic revitalization with the approval of a 15-year tax abatement for Advanced Flow Solutions (AFS), a burgeoning manufacturing company. The Lima City Council unanimously approved the measure late last night, paving the way for a new facility that promises to inject $12 million in investment and create 65 new jobs for the community.

The decision follows months of negotiations between city officials and AFS representatives. The agreement, subject to annual reviews, demonstrates Lima's commitment to attracting businesses and fostering economic growth. AFS, specializing in [Further research indicates AFS specializes in precision fluid handling systems for the renewable energy sector - link to AFS website: www.advancedflowsolutions.com], selected Lima as the location for its new facility due to the city's strategic location, access to skilled labor, and proactive economic development initiatives.

While the specifics of the tax abatement remain confidential due to ongoing legal review, city officials confirm it will offer a reduction in local taxes for AFS over the 15-year period. This incentive is designed to offset initial infrastructure costs and encourage long-term investment in the community. The expectation is that the increased tax revenue generated by the company's operation, along with the broader economic impact, will ultimately outweigh the temporary reduction.

Councilman Jeff Sprague, a vocal advocate for responsible economic development, initially voiced concerns regarding the potential strain on local resources, specifically the school system and city services. These concerns stemmed from the anticipated increase in population due to the new jobs. However, Sprague confirmed he received detailed assurances from both AFS executives and city planners that these challenges would be proactively addressed.

"My initial hesitation wasn't about the project itself, but about ensuring we could absorb the growth without negatively impacting our existing services," Sprague explained. "AFS demonstrated a strong commitment to being a good community partner, and city officials presented a comprehensive plan for mitigating any potential issues. They've pledged to work closely with the Lima City Schools to ensure they have the resources needed to accommodate any new students, and have committed to contributing to infrastructure improvements as needed."

The AFS facility is expected to focus on the manufacturing and assembly of components for [AFS's core business - detailed in website research - specializing in components for geothermal and advanced battery technologies]. This aligns with Ohio's growing focus on renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, further solidifying Lima's position as a key player in these sectors. The choice of Lima is especially impactful given the recent closures of several traditional manufacturing plants in the region; this development represents a crucial diversification of the local economy.

The $12 million investment will cover the construction of a state-of-the-art facility on a 10-acre parcel of land in the Lima Industrial Park. Construction is slated to begin within the next few months, with the facility projected to be fully operational by the end of 2026. Local construction firms are expected to benefit from the project, providing further economic stimulus to the city.

The 65 new jobs created by AFS will range from skilled manufacturing positions to administrative and engineering roles. The company has committed to prioritizing local hiring and providing training opportunities for residents. AFS has also partnered with Rhodes State College to develop a specialized training program tailored to the skills needed for the new facility. [Link to Rhodes State College partnership announcement: www.rhodesstate.edu/afs-partnership].

Looking ahead, city officials are optimistic that the AFS project will serve as a catalyst for further economic development in Lima. "This is a game-changer for our city," said Mayor Emily Carter. "It demonstrates that Lima is open for business and that we are committed to creating a thriving economy for our residents. We are confident that this investment will attract other companies and create even more opportunities for growth." The city is currently in talks with several other potential investors, and officials anticipate announcing additional economic development projects in the coming months. This positive momentum is a welcome change for Lima, signaling a bright future for the city and its residents.