Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases For Immediate Release GOVERNOR, LT. GOVERNOR ANNOUNCE GRANTS TO BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES ### Media contacts: Robert Grevey at (614) 466-6619 or
January 26, 2009
Projects Invigorate Regional Economies, Generate Jobs for Ohioans
COLUMBUS – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that $400,000 in economic development grants have been awarded to aid in the growth of businesses and the creation and retention of jobs in Ohio. The grants, administered by the Ohio Department of Development, were approved today by the State Controlling Board and could create 747 positions and retain 242 jobs for Ohioans.
“Ohio is uniquely positioned to strengthen our leadership role in our state’s targeted industries with an array of innovative projects,” said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Our state’s industrial strengths combined with our ability to rapidly reach a substantial part of our nation’s population places Ohio at the heart of technology and advanced energy expansion.”
Kettle Creations, LLC will receive a $110,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment at the company’s planned facility in the City of Lima (Allen County). Kettle Creations plans to build a facility in support of their potato processing operations. The company plans to manufacture refrigerated potato products to sell to private-label distributors, restaurants, and grocery stores. This $21 million project is expected to create 100 positions.
First Solar, Inc. will receive a $150,000 Rapid Outreach Grant, and a $75,000 Rapid Outreach Grant, both for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment at the company’s campus in Perrysburg Township (Wood County). Founded in 1992, First Solar manufactures photovoltaic thin film solar modules. Produced on a continuous high-output production line, the company’s process has allowed it to provide an economic alternative to traditional electricity sources. The concurrent requests for funding each represent distinct projects and will assist in First Solar’s expansion within Perrysburg Township. This $83 million project is expected to create 587 positions and retain 203 jobs.
Mercer County Community Development will receive a $45,000 Roadwork Development Grant to complete public roadwork improvements that will facilitate additional truck traffic at the former Agco Building in the Village of Coldwater (Mercer County). This $65,000 project is expected to create 45 positions.
Beech Engineering & Manufacturing will receive a $20,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment at the company’s planned expansion in the City of New Philadelphia (Tuscarawas County). Beech, established in 1996, designs and manufactures material handling equipment for the industrial market and provides equipment to major electronic manufacturers. This $1 million project is expected to create 15 positions and retain 39 jobs.
Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit 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 (412) is a grant program to assist companies and communities that are creating or retaining jobs in Ohio.
The Roadwork Development Account (629) provides grant assistance to communities for highway and road projects related to job creation and retention. The 629 Program is funded with gas tax dollars and is restricted to public road projects only.
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609