Defiance and Archbold

First Quality is investing $984 million in a new facility located between Krouse and Whetstone Roads, just west of Defiance. Construction began last year on a 1.6-million-square-foot plant that will produce paper products such as tissue and paper towels. This project is expected to create over 400 jobs and generate $22.5 million in annual payroll by 2032. The company plans to install two through-air-dried (TAD) paper machines at the site, a technology that uses hot air to dry paper, enhancing production efficiency. The first TAD machine is scheduled to start operations in 2028. TAD machinery improves tissue quality by making products more absorbent and bulkier while also enabling faster production speeds. The Defiance facility is strategically located next to a 1,100-acre site with easy access to four major highways, a rail line, and two large gas trunk lines.

The company is acquiring an existing building within Sauder Woodworking’s Archbold complex and plans to create 400 full-time jobs following a $300 million investment in equipment. The facility is expected to be operational by early 2028. Located in Fulton County, this plant will specialize in manufacturing household cleaning and laundry products. It is part of the company’s newly established Home Care Products division, formed after First Quality acquired Henkel’s “retailer brands” business. The facility will specifically produce:

• Laundry detergents (liquid and powder)
• Dishwashing detergents and solutions
• Fabric softeners and finishers
• Dryer sheets
• Automatic dishwashing packs