Midwest Air LLC, a cutting-edge agricultural drone service provider based in south central Ohio, has announced a $430,000 expansion in Adams County that will create two new jobs and boost the region’s technological infrastructure for farming.
The investment, made possible through support from JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), and Adams County Economic Development, will fund the purchase of a 12,600-square-foot warehouse and 1,200 square feet of office space along State Route 32 near Peebles. The new facility will help grow the company’s drone distribution operations, with plans to add manufacturing capabilities in the future.
Midwest Air offers drone-based agricultural services such as aerial spraying and crop monitoring. In addition to service operations, the company sells drones via its website and maintains a distribution network that spans 11 states. The expansion is backed by a $25,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant, designed to support small companies in underserved areas or led by underrepresented populations.
Photos Courtesy: Ohio SE
“The support from JobsOhio will build on our momentum of empowering rural Ohio by providing farmers with the latest technology and strengthen our local economy by bringing more jobs to our community,” said Hayden Crum, co-owner of Midwest Air.
Midwest Air is rooted in a legacy of agriculture. The Crum family has farmed in Adams County for seven generations, producing corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and beef cattle. Their broader operation, Crum Farm Supply, has served the region for nearly 50 years by offering fertilizer, seed, and chemical services. The need for aerial application services on their own farm led to the founding of Midwest Air.
“We’re incredibly grateful to receive the JobsOhio Small Business Grant,” said Kamden Crum, co-owner. “It will greatly assist in expanding our operations and allow us to give back to the community that has supported us for so many years.”
Local and regional leaders praised the move as a smart investment in the county’s economic and agricultural future.
“We are excited to support Midwest Air’s pioneering vision and commitment to innovation in Adams County,” said Paul Worley, Director of Adams County Economic Development. “Their investment is a clear reflection of the forward-thinking approach that fuels growth in our community. We can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Matt Abbott, President and CEO of OhioSE, echoed the enthusiasm: “This investment will create new opportunities, strengthen the local economy, and contribute to the long-term success of Midwest Air and the community.”
