ADA, Ohio — The Wilson Football Factory is one of the first things that come to mind when people think of Ada, Ohio.
Thursday morning, officials at Wilson showed off their brand-new factory, signaling the continuation of a longstanding landmark in the region.
"These times for Wilson have never been more exciting," Wilson Sporting Goods CEO and President Joe Dudy said.
The new, expanded facility cost $15 million to complete and almost doubles the size of the old factory.
The new space also includes a museum dedicated to the history of Wilson Sporting Goods, and the iconic football "The Duke," which has been the official ball of the National Football League since 1941.
Kevin Murphy is the general manager for Wilson Team Sports. The new factory is exciting for what it means for the future of Wilson, its employees and the company's longtime home of Ada.
"It's incredible. I've been with Wilson for 36 years, so not only is it a new era, it's a continuation of the history of our company. We've been here so long, the people of Ada, it's part of our family. I always say to people, 'we're a big brand, but we're a small company,'" Murphy said. "We all know each other and love each other and care about each other. To have this family feel, and to be able to stay in Ada, Ohio and build this new factory, it's going to have us here a long time. Just feels great for all of us, we're really proud of it."
Andy Wentling is the plant manager for Wilson. He's spent decades around the footballs made in the factory and the people who make them.
"Being able to provide a new facility for these folks to come to work, a new destination to come to work, a nice open space, and also our guests, I'm looking forward to having people come to the tours, and coming to the gift shop and the retail spot," Wentling said. "Just having that space. We can move furniture now, we can add processes, we can change things without having to run new electrical or move other furniture, so it's amazing to have this space. We're super excited about it."
Perhaps most importantly, the people who use the footballs were in Ada too.
Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jordan Palmer, current Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford, NFL Flag Football Ambassador Diana Flores, and former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterbacks Cardale Jones and Troy Smith were at the event, getting a first-look tour of the factory.
"These balls are handmade. It's a company that's been around for 100+ years, and to see where they started to where they are now," Jones said. "I think the cool thing about it is the opportunity to go to the Hall of Fame and see what the football used to look like to now. They were all part of that. Seeing how the balls continue to change, everything that comes with really providing a better playing experience for every level of football, it starts right here in this facility."
Wilson also officially announced a multi-year agreement with the NFL to extend their now nine-decade contract. Every point scored in the league since at least 1941 has been with a Wilson football.
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