TIFFIN, Ohio — RELN, an ISO-accredited product design and manufacturing company specializing in stormwater and wastewater systems, has expanded its U.S. manufacturing operations in Tiffin, Ohio, marking a significant milestone in the company’s 70-year history.
The expansion includes leasing the remaining 50,000 square feet at Eagle Rock Industrial Park, bringing the 100,000-square-foot speculative industrial building to full occupancy and reinforcing Tiffin’s strategy of developing ready-to-use industrial space to attract new manufacturing investment.
Expanding North American Manufacturing
RELN has more than 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing stormwater and on-site wastewater systems, supplying septic and treatment products across Australia, New Zealand, and the Mid-Pacific region. The company began operations in Canada in 2013 and has continued expanding its North American presence.
RELN first established a U.S. footprint in Tiffin in early 2025 by leasing 30,000 square feet in the Eagle Rock facility to operate a distribution center. Since then, the company has invested $2 million in manufacturing equipment to transition the site into a fully integrated production facility.
The operation currently employs 20 workers, with plans to expand hiring as manufacturing capacity increases.
“Establishing manufacturing in Tiffin was a key milestone for RELN’s North American strategy,” said Nigel Nattrass, President of the RELN Group. “Aldridge Electric’s turnkey facility allowed our executive team to secure a location that met our operational requirements and move quickly from planning to production, enabling us to better serve customers while growing our U.S. presence.”
Strategic Development at Eagle Rock Industrial Park
The Eagle Rock Industrial Park facility was originally constructed in 2022 as a speculative industrial building designed to accommodate companies seeking immediate occupancy.
The project received a $140,000 grant from the Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP) to help support development of the nearly $4.5 million facility. The goal of the program is to prepare job-ready industrial sites and buildings so companies can begin operations without the delays often associated with site acquisition and construction.
The building first attracted tenants in 2023, including Aldridge Electric, which helped spur additional private investment and led to a 50,000-square-foot expansion completed in 2024.
RELN’s lease of the remaining space now completes the full build-out of the facility and marks the fifth speculative industrial building to reach full occupancy in Tiffin.
A Model for Proactive Industrial Development
Economic development leaders say RELN’s expansion demonstrates the value of preparing industrial facilities in advance to attract new employers.
“The Ohio Site Inventory Program exists to help communities close funding gaps and accelerate the development of job-ready sites and buildings,” said Dean Monske, President and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership. “RELN’s investment in Tiffin shows how strategic development of speculative industrial space can attract international manufacturers, support reshored production, and create new economic opportunities.”
Local leaders also praised the project as a result of long-term collaboration and planning.
“This is the fifth speculative building to fill in Tiffin,” said Mayor Lee Wilkinson. “When we invest in infrastructure and prepare for growth, companies respond. The success of this project proves that proactive development is a formula that works.”
Positioning Tiffin for Future Growth
With the Eagle Rock facility now fully leased and RELN’s manufacturing operations underway, Tiffin continues to strengthen its reputation as a community prepared to support industrial growth and job creation.
RELN leadership says the company remains committed to supporting domestic manufacturing and creating long-term employment opportunities in the communities where it operates.
“Securing the Tiffin facility allows our team to focus on delivering the right product at the right place and time,” Nattrass said. “We look forward to continuing to grow our operations and supporting the local workforce.”
