The Silicon Speedway: One Local Dealership Group is Racing into the Future of Chip Manufacturing
(Bowling Green, OH) Smart technologies have cemented themselves into our everyday lives. From the phones in our pockets, flat-screen televisions, and many everyday items in our homes. It was only a matter of time before these automations made their way into our automobiles. With the upgraded tech advances comes a huge opportunity for manufacturing facilities and job creation. One local dealership group has, not only a vested interest in the vehicle sales and services that they provide to their customers but also the vision to make Bowling Green a hub for AI and smart technology advancement.
News broke in late 2023 about a mystery company purchasing a tract of land to open a new data center in Middleton Township, near I-75 and State Route 582. However, the developer has since changed directions and closed on the idea to bring a state-of-the-art microchip manufacturing facility, in a landmark partnership with Thayer Family Dealerships, to the residents of Wood County and northwest Ohio.
“This facility will produce universal automotive microchips for all of our vehicle offerings. Our Chevy, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram vehicles can now be shipped quicker from the manufacturers because we no longer have to wait for the chips,” explained Rachael London. “We have been working with the county and our economic development teams to help bring 300 jobs to Bowling Green.”
“During the pandemic, our inventories suffered due to manufacturing delays and chip shortages. Relying on the overseas production of the microchips necessary to operate the technology features didn’t make sense to our leadership team,” Paul Thayer said.
When talking with the family they said, “We love chips. We remember all the stories our grandfather, Ralph Thayer, would tell us about the old Cain’s potato chip factory in BG. He would walk the tracks looking for unopened bags that fell off the train cars. This move pays homage to those memories.”
“I told my family that I had the perfect idea for the future of our business. We break ground on the Chips4Whips facility in Q3 of 2024. My prestigious BGSU education made me the most qualified to oversee this project. I’m excited for this new venture,” commented Robyn Smith.
With this new business, Chips4Whips, Thayer Family Dealerships remains proud to offer high-quality new and pre-owned vehicles to Bowling Green, Wood County, and all of northwest Ohio. The family’s foresight to build automotive microchips will ensure their offerings never suffer inventory shortages seen during the COVID disruption again.
For all comments and questions about this new and exciting opportunity, or employment opportunities, please contact Executive General Manager, Robert London, at 1-800-APRIL-FOOLS.