Press Room >> 2010 Press Releases

For Immediate Release
August 9, 2010

GOVERNOR, PATT-MCDANIEL ANNOUNCE EXPANSION PROJECTS
TO CREATE AND RETAIN MORE THAN 1,830 JOBS
Projects Invigorate Regional Economies, Generate Jobs for Ohioans

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio businesses and communities will receive $785,000 in economic development grants to aid economic growth, leveraging more than $16.6 million. The State Controlling Board today approved grants administered by the Ohio Department of Development which are expected to create 270 jobs and retain 1,562 positions.

"Saving and creating jobs for hard-working Ohioans continues to be our top priority," said Governor Ted Strickland. "I will continue to fight for Ohio jobs and support Ohio businesses and business owners through strategic investments."

"Ohio is committed to fostering a business climate through infrastructure improvements and targeted investments in growing industries of our state," said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Today’s investments help to position Ohio for long-term growth and prosperity."

Behr Dayton Thermal Products, LLC will receive a $250,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with infrastructure improvements and the acquisition of new machinery and equipment in support of the company’s project in the City of Dayton (Montgomery County). In addition, the company will upgrade its Dayton facility to become more energy efficient and cost-effective. Behr is a Tier One automotive supplier, specializing in automotive air conditioning and engine cooling systems for passenger and commercial vehicles. The more than $12.3 million project will assist in retaining 902 positions.

The City of Marysville will receive a $185,000 Roadwork Development Grant for the costs associated with the completion of public roadwork improvements in support of The Scotts Company, LLC’s expansion project in the City of Marysville (Union County). The public roadwork improvements include the widening of Scottslawn Road to improve traffic flow between U.S. Route 33, Industrial Parkway, and Scottslawn Road for surrounding businesses and local traffic. The more than $338,000 project is expected to create 33 jobs and retain 303 positions.

Evenflo Company, Inc. will receive a $50,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of new machinery and equipment in support of the company’s project in the City of Piqua (Miami County). Evenflo is a manufacturer and marketer of infant and juvenile products, including car seats, strollers, playtime products, safety gates, and infant feeding products. The more than $1.5 million project is expected to create 50 jobs and retain 357 positions.

Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale, and Door, LLP (WilmerHale) will receive a $300,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the professional services, leasehold improvements, and the acquisition of new machinery and equipment in support of the company’s project in the City of Kettering (Montgomery County). In addition, the company will establish a new facility to support its global legal practice. WilmerHale has more than 1,000 lawyers, with offices in 12 cities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. WilmerHale provides legal representation across a comprehensive range of practice areas that are critical to the success of its clients. The more than $2.5 million project is expected to create 187 jobs.

Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the nonprofit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future.

The Rapid Outreach Grant is a grant program to assist companies and communities that are creating or retaining jobs in Ohio. The Roadwork Development Account provides grant assistance to communities for highway and road projects related to job creation and retention. The Roadwork Development Account is funded with gas tax dollars and is restricted to public road projects only.

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Media contacts: Bethany Close at (614) 466-6619 or
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609