Governor DeWine Launches Twelve Projects to Create Over One Thousand Jobs and Drive More Than Two Billion in Economic Growth

Ohio’s Bold Economic Revival: A Closer Look at the State’s Investment in Jobs and Innovation

In recent weeks, Ohio’s leadership has taken bold steps toward revitalizing the state’s economic landscape. Governor Mike DeWine, along with Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and key officials from the Ohio Department of Development, announced a portfolio of 12 critical projects designed to create more than 1,126 new jobs and generate over $2 billion in investments. The announcement, coming amid an environment marked by tricky parts in economic planning and tangled issues across multiple sectors, presents a fascinating opportunity for both local communities and the broader business community.

This editorial digs into these initiatives with an informed perspective, taking a closer look at each project and the overall implications of the state’s aggressive push toward industrial expansion, digital innovation, and workforce development. We aim to break down the fine points of how these investments are expected to shape Ohio’s economic future, providing clarity in a period that many might find overwhelming or nerve-racking when it comes to balancing public policy and market realities.

Driving Growth Through Strategic Industrial Expansion

Ohio is no stranger to manufacturing and industrial production. Yet, the state has been quick to recognize that traditional industries alone will not secure its long-term economic stability. The newly approved projects are part of an overarching strategy to diversify economic strengths while simultaneously creating local skilled jobs. With initiatives spanning from digital health to high-performance data centers and manufacturing innovations, the state is finding its way through a maze of opportunities that, if managed well, could set a new benchmark for regional economic growth.

Governor DeWine’s plan is not without its challenges. Every new project comes with its fair share of complicated pieces, from the initial investment planning and talent acquisition to the execution of construction and technology upgrades. However, by providing targeted incentives—such as job creation tax credits and data center tax exemptions—Ohio is steering through these twists and turns with a hand that carefully balances risk and reward.

Enhancing Economic Landscape Through Digital Health Innovation

One of the key players in this economic revival is AndHealth LLC, a Columbus-based digital health firm that stands to benefit significantly from the state’s support. With plans to create 75 full-time positions and add $10.2 million in annual payroll, AndHealth is set to accelerate its growth in assisting the healthcare system with addressing some of its more complicated pieces related to chronic health conditions.

The proposed expansion will not only boost local employment but will also advance innovative methods for delivering comprehensive, whole-person specialty care. AndHealth’s model—aimed at providing improved access to care and better outcomes for patients—highlights an important aspect of modern healthcare: the need to blend technology and compassionate care through partnerships that create tangible benefits like greater health equity and lower costs for providers.

How Digital Health Innovations Can Transform Regional Healthcare

Creation of new digital platforms that streamline patient care
Development of innovative training programs for specialized staff
Improved integration between healthcare providers and digital tools
Enhanced patient access and continuity of care

Although cutting-edge technology often appears intimidating and full of problems due to its confusing bits, the comprehensive approach taken by AndHealth stands as a beacon of progress. By investing in specialized training and hiring locally, this project is a model for how digital health initiatives can generate not only improved outcomes for patients but also sustainable economic growth in once-overlooked segments of the workforce.

Boosting Data Center Capabilities in Strategic Locations

In an era defined by data and digital infrastructure, the expansion of data center facilities is one of the smartest moves Ohio is making. Global data provider EdgeConneX is setting up shop in New Albany, with plans that include the conversion of an existing 525,000-square-foot building into an 80-megawatt data center. With a further vision set toward constructing new facilities, the project is poised to create 32 full-time jobs and channel $4 million in new annual payroll into the region.

This multi-phased approach—first by repurposing established industrial space and later by building purpose-designed facilities—demonstrates how the state can efficiently use existing assets to navigate the challenging bits that come with digital infrastructure expansion. The approved 50 percent, 10-year Data Center Tax Exemption further underpins this strategy, making it an essential part of fostering a thriving digital economy.

Key Benefits of Expanding Data Infrastructure

Creation of sustainable employment opportunities
Retention of highly skilled IT professionals in the region
Enhanced capabilities to handle growing digital data demands
Long-term tax incentives encouraging further digital investments

Similar to the tentative nature of other high-tech investments, new data center projects come with a series of subtle parts and tricky parts. However, Ohio’s strategic use of tax breaks signals confidence that a well-planned data infrastructure can serve as the backbone for emerging technologies and digital business services across the region.

Revitalizing Manufacturing: A Multi-Sectoral Approach

Ohio’s manufacturing sector has long been a cornerstone of its economic might. Today, several projects underscore a renewed emphasis on revitalizing this industry through modernization and expansion. For example, LayerZero Power Systems is expanding its facility in Streetsboro by an impressive 120,000 square feet, which is set to bring 535 new full-time-equivalent positions to the community and generate over $26.1 million in annual payroll. The expansion is tailored to meet the increasing market demand for power equipment, such as switches, power panels, and monitoring systems, which are critical for ensuring that modern data centers operate reliably.

The blend of high-tech manufacturing and traditional production methods is a testament to Ohio’s ability to innovate. While this move does involve managing your way through numerous planning hurdles—from securing the right permits to ensuring the successful scaling of operations—the approved tax credit of 1.593 percent over 10 years offers a much-needed cushion to make the project economically viable.

The Broader Impact on Local Manufacturing

Modernized production facilities that embrace new technologies
Increased local investment and payroll growth
Creation of a robust supply chain through expanded operations
Enhanced competitiveness in national and global markets

Alongside LayerZero, Prentke Romich Company in Wooster Township is set to bring a more modest—but no less significant—expansion. With 60 new full-time-equivalent positions on the horizon and a plan to reconfigure nearly 28,500 square feet of office space, the company is positioning itself to better support its growing workforce. The emphasis here is on creating assistive technologies for individuals with complex communication needs—a sector that, while not as flashy as high-end digital tech, is super important for fostering inclusive industry practices.

Vallourec Star in Youngstown is another shining example of manufacturing resilience. The project focused on expanding operations to produce a new, industrialized production line for steel pipes is expected to generate over $2.3 million in new annual payroll. This development is aimed at meeting increased demand from the North American market, thereby reinforcing Ohio’s status as a key supplier in the global market for Oil Country Tubular Goods.

Data Center Technology and Cloud Infrastructure: The Constant Company’s Vision

Not all digital infrastructure projects are created equal. The Constant Company, LLC, based in Springfield, represents another critical pillar in the state’s strategy to integrate traditional industries with modern cloud technologies. Specializing in scalable cloud infrastructure, the company plans to build a brand-new data center facility that will not only expand its operations but also serve growing demand from developers and enterprises around the globe.

By generating approximately $1.5 million in new annual payroll and creating 20 full-time-equivalent positions, the project also contributes to local economic expansion. Here again, Ohio’s clever use of a 50 percent, 10-year Data Center Tax Exemption underpins investments that are key to building a future-ready digital ecosystem, ensuring that state-of-the-art cloud services can continue to offer high performance at competitive prices.

Advantages of Modern Cloud Infrastructure Investments

Enhanced digital capabilities for business and government entities
Improved scalability and security for critical data storage
Creation of high-quality, sustainable tech jobs
Long-term economic benefits via continued digital innovation

This twin approach of expanding both physical and digital infrastructure helps Ohio position itself as a leader in the digital age. By combining traditional manufacturing strengths with the ever-growing needs of cloud computing and data center infrastructure, the state’s executives are paving a promising path amid both small business and industrial manufacturing advancements.

Modernizing Production Facilities Across Diverse Industries

Church & Dwight Co., Inc., a household name in consumer products, is also getting in on the action. The company is set to reconfigure its manufacturing facility in Old Fort, a move that anticipates a surge in the production of its new product lines. With plans to create 40 full-time-equivalent positions and generate $3 million in new annual payroll, this project underscores the essential nature of aligning manufacturing capacities with consumer demand while upgrading processes to stay competitive.

Similarly, Ohio Art Company in Bryan has made a strategic move to consolidate operations that were once spread between Ohio and New Jersey. This consolidation is expected to produce 53 full-time-equivalent roles and contribute more than $2.7 million in new payroll. By upgrading its facility and purchasing modern machinery, Ohio Art is not only saving on operational costs but also streamlining production in a market that benefits from efficiency and localized expertise.

Consolidation and Upgrades: The Backbone of Modern Manufacturing

Company	Location	Projected Job Increase	New Annual Payroll
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.	Old Fort	40 FTE	$3 million
Ohio Art Company	Bryan	53 FTE	$2.7+ million

These initiatives are great examples of how consolidating operations can lead to greater efficiencies and foster a competitive edge. In an industry where every subtle detail counts, such upgrades not only streamline the production process but also lead to long-term savings—a critical measure for companies facing the intimidating challenge of staying ahead in a competitive marketplace.

Revamping Air Transport and Cargo Logistics

Shifting gears to the transportation sector, Air Transport Services Group, Inc. in Wilmington is embarking on an exciting expansion. With plans to create 48 full-time positions and add over $3.5 million in new annual payroll, this project is designed to expand operations at the Wilmington Air Park. The initiative includes relocating key maintenance functions from CVG, upgrading facilities, and acquiring new ground support equipment. These improvements are driven by growing demand from major air cargo customers, reinforcing the state’s commitment to efficient logistics and air transport capabilities.

The air transport segment comes with its own set of complicated pieces, such as ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining high safety standards. Yet, through effective investment measures like a 1.338 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit, the project promises to mitigate these challenges while ushering in new dynamics for regional transportation networks.

How Enhanced Air Cargo Services Benefit the Economy

Improved operational efficiency at air transport hubs
Strengthened logistics capabilities for major cargo operators
Increased opportunities for specialized technical training and employment
Better service reliability that attracts additional investments

By focusing on strategic relocation and facility upgrades, projects in the air cargo service domain are a clear indicator of how infrastructure improvements drive job creation and sustain long-term economic growth. These advancements not only position the state as a key player in the transportation network but also open doors for further private investment in related sectors.

Driving Engineering Excellence in Industrial Manufacturing

Another noteworthy initiative comes from BSI Engineering, LLC, located in Deerfield Township. This company provides design and consulting services in the industrial manufacturing space, catering to sectors such as chemical processing, renewable fuels, and pharmaceuticals. The expansion aims to create 29 new full-time positions and yield over $4.7 million in new annual payroll through enhanced operations and a strategic relocation. BSI’s role in providing critical engineering services is a prime example of how innovation in design and production processes significantly bolsters statewide manufacturing capabilities.

The expansion project, supported by a 1.696 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit, will help the company meet operational needs and attract top talent, even in sectors that are sometimes seen as daunting due to their tricky parts related to regulatory compliance and advanced technology integration.

The Role of Engineering in Economic Modernization

Customized design services for a variety of heavy industries
Opportunities for cross-industry collaboration and innovation
Drive toward sustainable production practices across multiple sectors
Enhanced competitiveness and efficiency through modern engineering solutions

This kind of investment in industrial engineering not only addresses crowded and sometimes intimidating regulatory environments but also ensures that companies remain agile. By taking a closer look at these engineering projects, it’s evident that technical precision and operational innovation go hand in hand with broader economic success.

Culinary Innovation and Growth in Food Manufacturing

The manufacturing theme continues with Flavor Producers, LLC in Sharonville. This firm, along with its parent company Glanbia Nutritionals, is renowned for its prowess in flavor development using natural, organic, and plant-based ingredients. The planned expansion, which is set to create 44 full-time roles and generate more than $3.5 million in new annual payroll, is centered on enhancing capacity at its Sharonville facility with a new spray drying process. This technological upgrade is key to sustaining growth and meeting increasing demands in the flavoring sector.

The investment in new process technology comes at a time when the food manufacturing industry is steering through several tricky parts, including fluctuating consumer tastes and global supply-chain uncertainties. Yet, by modernizing its operations and driving innovation in flavor production, Flavor Producers is positioning itself favorably to capitalize on both local and international markets.

Why Innovation in Food Manufacturing Matters

Adoption of new technology to scale production effectively
Creation of jobs that combine both manual and technical skills
Sustainable practices that reduce waste and improve product consistency
Competitive positioning in the global food and beverage market

The food manufacturing project’s success rests on transforming what might initially seem like overwhelming challenges into opportunities for streamlined production and enhanced market reach. For stakeholders, the investment in state-of-the-art processing technology is not just a business decision—it’s a strategic move to secure the company’s future in an ever-changing marketplace.

The Broader Economic Implications: More Than Just Numbers

Looking at the state’s portfolio as a whole, it is evident that these projects are interconnected threads woven into a larger fabric of economic renewal and modernization. Each project delivers a unique mix of benefits, ranging from direct job creation and enhanced payroll growth to crucial technological upgrades and expanded production capacities. Collectively, these investments drive regional competitiveness, strengthen the local business ecosystem, and offer a tangible solution to some of the small business challenges faced in today’s fluctuating market conditions.

Beyond the individual projects, Ohio’s comprehensive use of targeted tax incentives—whether through job creation tax credits or data center tax exemptions—illustrates a sophisticated approach to economic policy. These measures are designed not only to make investments more attractive for private businesses but also to ensure that the benefits of growth ripple throughout the community, creating a more robust local economy.

Key Economic Benefits of the Investment Strategy

Job Creation: Over 1,126 new jobs and retention of 2,686 existing positions across various sectors
Increased Payroll: More than $73 million in new annual payroll contributions
Capital Investments: Over $2 billion injected into statewide economic growth
Sector Diversification: A strategic blend of manufacturing, digital innovation, healthcare, and logistics

This multi-sectoral approach demonstrates that economic revitalization is not solely about investing in one area. Whether it’s manufacturing, digital infrastructure, or innovative healthcare solutions, the mix of projects reflects a balanced vision for economic growth that addresses both immediate job market needs and long-term industry transformation.

Taking a Closer Look at Tax Incentives and Their Role in Economic Development

One of the standout elements of Ohio’s project portfolio is its reliance on strategic tax incentives aimed at smoothing over the challenging bits of large-scale investments. Whether it’s the 1.901 percent, nine-year Job Creation Tax Credit for projects like AndHealth or the 50 percent, 10-year Data Center Tax Exemption provided to companies like EdgeConneX and The Constant Company, these measures are more than just financial perks. They are carefully designed tools intended to shift the balance in favor of private investment during periods of economic adjustment.

For many in the business community, understanding these incentives is key to steering through the maze of regulatory and fiscal twists and turns. By leveraging such measures, companies can reduce their effective tax burden, allowing them to re-invest savings into improved operations, enhanced training programs, and further innovation. In a way, these incentives act as a vital link between public policy and private initiative, enabling businesses to take calculated risks in an environment that might otherwise seem intimidating or overwhelming.

Examples of Tax Incentives in Ohio’s Projects

Project	Tax Incentive	Duration
AndHealth Expansion	Job Creation Tax Credit	Nine years (1.901%)
EdgeConneX New Facility	Data Center Tax Exemption	10 years (50%)
LayerZero Expansion	Job Creation Tax Credit	10 years (1.593%)
Prentke Romich Expansion	Job Creation Tax Credit	Eight years (1.468%)

Such clarity in fiscal policy not only benefits individual companies but also reinforces an environment where comprehensive economic growth is achievable and measurable. While the fine points may seem daunting at first glance, the practical effect of these incentives is a smoother, more accessible pathway for businesses to invest in Ohio’s future.

Reflecting on a Future Built on Diversification and Innovation

There is no question that the state’s aggressive approach to job creation and industrial expansion is a bold and forward-thinking move. By supporting projects across a broad spectrum—from digital health startups and high-tech data centers to manufacturing and air transport logistics—Ohio is actively ensuring that its economy remains resilient even in the face of ever-changing market conditions.

Many small business owners and industry veterans might initially find these sweeping reforms a bit overwhelming, considering the multiple, sometimes confusing bits involved in implementing broad economic policies. However, the cumulative impact of these investments promises to be transformative. Local job opportunities will multiply, new technologies will be prototyped and adopted, and everyday communities will benefit from the enhanced economic stability and growth.

Long-Term Benefits for Ohio’s Workforce and Community

Economic Resilience: Diversified portfolio helps the state weather market fluctuations
Workforce Development: Enhanced training and skill development programs across sectors
Innovation Ecosystem: Synergistic growth of technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics
Community Well-Being: Increased local payroll and job security contribute to overall quality of life

Each project, while facing its own set of challenges ranging from intimidating regulatory hurdles to the subtle twists of technological innovation, contributes to a unified strategy aimed at boosting both productivity and quality of life in Ohio. It’s a strategic melding of vision and practicality—one that not only aims for immediate economic benefits but also sets the stage for a more robust and diversified future.

Conclusion: A Strategic Roadmap for a Thriving Ohio

Governor DeWine’s announcement of these 12 diverse projects marks a significant chapter in Ohio’s ongoing evolution. The fusion of digital health initiatives, high-tech data infrastructures, modernized manufacturing facilities, and upgraded transportation logistics presents a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the complicated pieces of economic development.

Through this multi-faceted investment approach, Ohio is setting an example for how state-level initiatives can drive both job creation and long-term industry transformation. The blend of local hiring, targeted tax incentives, and strategic infrastructure upgrades highlights the state’s commitment to finding its path through a maze of financial and operational challenges while still ensuring that the benefits are felt by every corner of the community.

As we take a closer look at these projects, it is clear that the state’s strategy is not simply about numbers or isolated investments. It is about creating the conditions needed for a thriving ecosystem in which small business, industrial manufacturing, advanced digital services, and innovative healthcare not only coexist but complement each other. In doing so, Ohio is carving out a future that is as resilient as it is dynamic—one where every new job and every technological advancement plays a role in building a stronger, more competitive economy.

For those keeping an eye on regional economic trends, these initiatives offer valuable insights into how public policy can smartly maneuver through tangled issues while encouraging private investment. They serve as a reminder that growth often comes from taking calculated risks and that modern economies thrive on diversity and innovation.

In conclusion, while there will undoubtedly be challenging bits along the journey—including the nerve-racking moments of policy adjustment and the overwhelming task of integrating new technology—the overarching benefits of these 12 projects are clear. Ohio’s commitment to strategic investment is laying the groundwork for future progress, ensuring that in the coming years, the state will not only create new jobs and expand local payrolls but also secure its place as a leader in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

As observers and stakeholders, it will be crucial to keep an eye on how these projects unfold and how the delicate balance between public funding, private sector innovation, and workforce development plays out on the larger stage of economic growth. With the right mix of patience, strategy, and determination, Ohio’s future looks not only promising but also a default blueprint for other states considering similar paths toward economic diversification and industrial modernity.

Originally Post From https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/governor-dewine-announces-12-projects-set-to-create-1126-jobs%2C-more-than-2-billion-in-investments