Location & Transportation
Defiance is the commercial and industrial hub of the six-county area of northwest Ohio. It is conveniently located within a 45 minute drive of both Toledo, Ohio and Fort Wayne, Indiana. The county is centrally located between markets in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Columbus, Detroit, and Chicago. The Defiance area features a wide range of buildings and sites for development.
Business and Industry
Defiance’s success as a regional supplier of quality industrial jobs stems from several factors. The most basic factor could be the strong Midwestern work ethic possessed by many Defiance residents. A strong educational system trains Defiance citizens from grade school through college as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Defiance County has a workforce of over 21,000 and attracts employees from the entire region. The Defiance area hosts a variety of manufacturing firms and agri-business companies, many of which are internationally known.
The largest employer in Defiance, General Motors Powertrain, has approximately 1,450 employees. This modern gray iron and modular foundry produces quality castings for the automotive industry. Other major manufactures include Johns Manville, which employs more than 700 and operates two plants in Defiance producing fiberglass insulation and molded products, and Defiance Metal Products and Defiance Stamping, which produce parts for the trucking industry. The list of Defiance manufactured products goes on: robotics, metal stamping and fabrication, electrical control systems, metal component cabinets, and rebuilt engines.
Recreation and the Arts
If you are looking for outdoor recreation, you have to the right place. Within the City Limits of Defiance, you will find no less than nineteen parks. The extensive park system includes something for everyone from shelter houses and playgrounds to basketball courts, baseball diamonds and a swimming pool with a water slide.
There has been a recent resurgence of cultural arts in the community. Along with the resurgence, new events such as the First Friday Celebrations and Festivals now grace the streets of the downtown. In addition, you can stroll through downtown stores filled with local art and antiques. If music or history is your passion, programming provided by the Defiance Community Cultural Council takes place year round and is sure to entertain you and your family.
The Fort Defiance Players, a community amateur theatrical group, along with Defiance College and area high schools present dramas and musical performances throughout the year that provide great entertainment for the entire family.
The Defiance Public Library is located at the west end of Fort Defiance Park and is immediately adjacent to the remains of the old fort. The original library building was constructed in 1904 as a Carnegie Library and is listed in the National Register of Historical Places. Today, there are two additions on either side of the original structure. The library is a cultural center for the community, providing a large collection of books, newspapers, magazines, DVD movies, CD’s and other material.
The Defiance County Senior Services has centers in Defiance and Hicksville and provides a comfortable gathering place and a host of services and activities geared toward senior citizens. Services offered include: congregate meals at both centers, home delivered meals, grocery shopping assistance, transportation in the Defiance area, legal and notary services, assistance in the homes of seniors who are caring for a chronically ill senior who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and many more.
Many of the Defiance area’s recreational and cultural opportunities have their roots in the Defiance’s location at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee rivers. Public boat ramps at Pontiac Park and Independence Dam State Park allow for easy river access. There are several parks and historic markers along the riverbanks that exhibit beautiful scenery. The Tiffin River; also known as the Bean Creek, is an excellent canoeing stream.
The Defiance Area YMCA has become a full-service facility that meets the recreational and fitness needs of the residents of Defiance. This facility houses an aquatic center; gymnasiums, racquetball courts, the Wooden Eye Skate Park, a spa area, and more! For more fitness and recreational opportunities, one can join the some 2,000 youth and adults participants in league baseball, softball and soccer programs sponsored by several organizations. Several nine-hole and 18-hole golf courses are located within a few miles of Defiance, including Auglaize Golf Club, Eagle Rock Golf Club and St. Mike’s Golf Course which provide excellent recreation and beautiful scenery.
Regional Shopping
If you are spending the day in Defiance you will not want to overlook the shopping possibilities. The north side of Defiance is home to the largest amount of retail with the Northtowne Mall as its anchor. The mall is area’s only fully-enclosed, climate controlled shopping center with three major department stores and features a nine screen cinema.
In Historic Downtown Defiance, you will find a growing gathering place for artists, collectors and shoppers. Niche stores and a diverse group of restaurants round out the downtown experience. Major investments made be several financial institutions, law offices, insurance centers, fraternal organizations, restaurants, governmental offices, business office centers and others have made this area aesthetically pleasing and vibrant.