City and regional leaders welcomed executives from Okamoto Industries to Sandusky City Hall on Monday, December 1, to recognize the company’s ongoing investment and partnership in the community.
City Commission President, Dick Brady, presented a Proclamation of Recognition on behalf of the Sandusky City Commission, honoring Okamoto for its continued commitment to local job retention, facility investment, and collaboration with the City. The Greater Sandusky Partnership (GSP) also presented Okamoto with a Certificate of Membership, formally welcoming the company as an active member of the regional business community.
Representatives from Okamoto included Mr. Kunihiko Okamoto (President and Representative Director, Okamoto Industries, Inc.), Mr. Taniguchi-San (North American President of OKAMOTO NORTH AMERICA, Inc.), Mr. Eric Mansor (Plant Manager for Okamoto Sandusky Manufacturing, LLC), Mr. Shinya Okada, and Mr. Tsukasa Takikawa. The delegation expressed their gratitude to city officials for their partnership and presented a gift to the City of Sandusky as a gesture of appreciation.
In 2024, state funding from the Ohio Department of Development’s Roadwork Development (629) program was secured to support road improvements tied to Okamoto Sandusky Manufacturing’s planned expansion on the west side. Additional support was provided through ODOT’s Jobs & 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 in 2025.
The Greater Sandusky 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 West Monroe Street, 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,” said City Commission President Dick Brady. “The improvements on the west side show what we can get done when the City, the State, GSP, and private businesses all work together. 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.”
“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,” said Eric Wobser, CEO of GSP. “We are proud to have Okamoto as part of our business community and look forward to their continued success in the region.”
