LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Members of the Lima Noon Sertoma Club and the Lima Kiwanis Club gathered Tuesday for a joint meeting featuring representatives from the Wilson football factory in Ada.
Wilson officials discussed the company's long-standing role in producing every NFL football since 1941. The footballs are handcrafted in Ada before being shipped to some of the biggest stages in sports.
Attendees also learned about Wilson's new "REVO" football, designed specifically for flag football as the sport continues to grow ahead of its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Company representatives highlighted how technology is shaping the future of football manufacturing.
"We were invited out here today to speak about some of the technology that's inside the football, the chip that's used inside the NFL ball and some of the other tracking devices within the ball to measure speed, velocity and a variety of other metrics," said Kasey Patton, factory manager at Wilson Sporting Goods.
Local leaders said the presentation gave community members an opportunity to learn more about one of the region's most recognizable manufacturers.
"Wilson's been an integral part of the Lima community for so many years," said Andy Johnston, vice president of the Lima Noon Sertoma Club. "People want to see what's going on. They know there's a lot of innovation with the new factory, and we're excited to have both the Sertoma Club and Kiwanis here today."
Wilson is also marking its second year at its new manufacturing facility in Ada this month.
