A HISTORIC BEGINNING IN OHIO
In early November, the nation celebrated #NationalOhioDay, a time to recognize the significant contributions and unique history of the Buckeye State. For LION, this celebration holds particular importance, as Ohio is where our journey began over 125 years ago.
In 1898, LION was founded by William Lapedes, who started his business by selling dry goods from a horse-drawn wagon. Based in the Dayton area, William traveled to rural families, providing them with essential products until he was able to establish a permanent storefront in downtown Dayton in 1911. Since then, LION has remained rooted in Ohio, making it an integral part of our company’s legacy.
Today, LION’s headquarters and manufacturing operations are still firmly based in Dayton, Ohio, where we proudly carry forward the tradition of excellence and innovation. Our Dayton headquarters serve as the heart of LION’s shared services, while the Dayton Manufacturing Plant stands as a critical hub of production, serving military and fire service clients around the world.
The Dayton Office: A Hub for Innovation and Support
The LION Headquarters on Poe Avenue is home to several essential teams, including Finance, IT, HR, ePMO, and others that provide critical support to LION locations globally. Additionally, it is the base of operations for key teams in Customer Service, Marketing, Innovation, and Product Development. This location is not just an office space but a dynamic environment where collaboration and innovation take place daily.
The office also provides meeting facilities for both internal and external engagements, hosting team meetings, supplier collaborations, and customer discussions that drive the future of our business. This environment reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, fostering strong relationships across departments and geographies.
Dayton Manufacturing Site: A Resilient Workforce
Less than six years ago, LION expanded its operations with the opening of the Dayton Manufacturing Plant on Janney Road. This state-of-the-art facility is a vital part of our operations, employing 90 dedicated team members who support our military, National Guard, and fire department clients across the U.S. and worldwide—including prestigious organizations like FDNY, Chicago Fire Department, and even fire departments in Chile.
The LDY facility started with a single sewing line for Chembio suits but has since grown into a full-scale cutting and sewing operation for turnout shells and liners—critical gear for first responders. Our Dayton manufacturing team is incredibly diverse, representing 15 countries and speaking 10 languages, making it a true reflection of LION's global outlook.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
On Memorial Day 2019, the Dayton area was struck by a series of devastating tornadoes, causing significant damage to our newly opened Dayton Manufacturing site. While the damage was severe, it also provided an opportunity to demonstrate the resilience and fortitude of our team. The experience strengthened the workforce's preparedness, and the tremendous support from the Dayton community and our collaboration with the Dayton Sewing Collaborative played a pivotal role in our recovery.
This event underscored the strength of our team, not only in their ability to adapt and recover but also in their unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. In the face of adversity, we were able to rebuild and continue our mission with renewed determination.
LION’s Continued Commitment to Ohio
As we celebrated National Ohio Day, we take a moment to reflect on our past, honor our roots, and express gratitude for the community, the workforce, and the values that have supported our success. From our humble beginnings in Dayton to our ongoing commitment to innovation and service, Ohio remains at the core of who we are.
We are proud to be part of this great state and look forward to continuing our growth and success, supporting not only Ohio’s communities but also first responders and military personnel around the globe.
Ohio is more than just a state—it’s a place where history, resilience, and innovation intersect. At LION, we’re proud to be a part of that legacy, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for both our company and the Buckeye State.
© 2024 LION Group, Inc.
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