Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases For Immediate Release GOVERNOR, BARBASH ANNOUNCE GRANTS TO BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES COLUMBUS – Governor Ted Strickland and Mark Barbash, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development, today announced that $2.3 million 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 825 positions and retain 1,654 jobs for Ohioans. ### Media contacts: Robert Grevey at (614) 466-6619 or
May 4, 2009
Projects Invigorate Regional Economies, Generate Jobs for Ohioans
“Close collaboration at the city, county, regional, and state level drives Ohio’s competitiveness, expanding our existing capabilities and attracting dynamic businesses primed to play a leading role in our evolving economy,” Barbash said. “Ohio’s workforce stands skilled and ready to build upon our state’s distinct assets, combining our innovative history with compelling advantages in an array of industries with global impact.”
Chieftain Biofuels, LLC will receive a $20,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s expansion in the City of Logan (Hocking County). Chieftain Biofuels produces American Society for Testing and Materials grade biodiesel and high protein animal feed. This $815,000 project is expected to create 20 positions and retain three jobs.
Coating Excellence International, LLC will receive a $200,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s expansion at a site to be determined. Formed in 1997, Coating Excellence International is a specialized flexible packaging company that produces products for a variety of consumer retail products. This more-than $2.8 million project is expected to create 135 positions.
Steel Warehouse of Ohio, LLC will receive a $109,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s proposed new facility in the City of Cleveland (Cuyahoga County). Steel Warehouse would establish manufacturing facilities to support the company’s steel service center, which provides processing services for production-ready steel to metal stampers, fabricators, and manufacturers. This $18.5 million project is expected to create 40 positions.
Mars Petcare U.S., Inc, will receive a $25,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s expansion in the City of Columbus (Franklin County). Mars Petcare has produced pet food including snacks and treats under a variety of brand names in Columbus since 1972. This $8.1 million project is expected to create 25 positions and retain 430 jobs.
Smucker Bakery Manufacturing, Inc., will receive a $25,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s expansion in the City of Toledo (Lucas County). The J.M. Smucker Company, Smucker Bakery’s parent company, is a leading marketer and manufacturer of a variety of branded food products including Smucker’s ®, Folgers ®, Jif ®, Crisco ®, and Eagle Brand ®. The company earned the number-one ranking in FORTUNE Magazine’s annual listing of 100 Best Companies To Work For in the United States in 2004.This $6.4 million project is expected to create 25 positions and retain 190 jobs.
Next Specialty Resins will receive a $15,000 Rapid Outreach Grant, and a $25,000 Rapid Outreach Grant, each for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment, in support of the company’s expansion in the Village of Fayette (Fulton County) and Sylvania Township (Lucas County). Next Specialty Resins was founded in 1996 as a manufacturer and distributor of resins used in the automotive, furniture, hand tool, and other industries. The $1 million projects are expected to create 40 positions combined.
Snyder Computer Systems, Inc. dba Wildfire Motors will receive a $105,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s expansion at its facility in Island Creek Township (Jefferson County). Wildlife Motors designs, imports, distributes, and partially manufactures various Chinese-produced products with a focus on electric and small gasoline vehicles. This $1.5 million project is expected to create 100 positions and retain 42 jobs.
Ohio Basic Minerals, LLC will receive a $45,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s expansion at its facility in Liberty Township (Jackson County). Ohio Basic Minerals will manufacture sand and gravel products obtained from raw materials mined in Southern Ohio. This $5.2 million project is expected to create 30 positions and retain seven jobs.
Greene County will receive a $350,000 Roadwork Development Grant to complete public roadwork improvements in support of Cornerstone Research Group’s relocation and expansion project in the City of Xenia (Greene County). The City of Xenia will construct a road that will connect two key routes southwest of the US-68/US-35 interchange. This $3 million project will support the creation of 135 positions and retention of 75 jobs.
The City of Middletown will receive a $400,000 Roadwork Development Grant to complete public roadwork improvements in support of Middletown Coke Company, Inc.’s expansion project in the City of Middletown (Butler County). The City of Middletown will upgrade erosion control, drainage, and pavement conditions while widening Yankee Road. This $2.2 million project will support the creation of 75 positions.
The Village of Richfield will receive a $75,000 Roadwork Development Grant to complete public roadwork improvements in support of Snap-On Business Solutions and Charles Schwab’s expansion projects in the Village of Richfield (Summit County). The Village of Richfield will widen roads near the project and improve access to nearby interstates and major traffic arteries. This $172,000 project will support the combined creation of 200 positions and retention of 907 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 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.
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609