Governor DeWine announces 5 projects set to create 1,173 jobs

COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced the approval of five projects that will create 1,173 new jobs, retain 601 jobs statewide, and result in more than $431 million in investments across Ohio. 

During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. The projects are expected to result in more than $79 million in new payroll. 

CENTRAL 

Neptune North, Inc. expects to create 75 full-time-equivalent positions, generating $6 million in new annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2029, as a result of the company’s forthcoming central Ohio project. Neptune North, headquartered in New Castle, UK, provides data, AI, software, and consulting services to businesses in the finance and defense industries. Project activities include securing a permanent office space. TCA approved a 1.449 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project. 

NORTHEAST 

The HC Companies, Inc. (Growscape) expects to create 90 full-time-equivalent positions, generating $4,401,772 in new annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2029, as a result of the company’s project in the village of Middlefield (Geauga County) and the city of Twinsburg (Summit County). Growscape is a North American manufacturer of horticultural containers, decorative planters, and lawn & garden products. With dual headquarters in Twinsburg, Ohio, and Shelton, Connecticut, the company serves greenhouse, nursery, retail, and commercial markets through U.S. manufacturing. The proposed project involves expanding rapidly as a result of a recent merger and market growth. TCA approved a 1.254 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project. 

NORTHWEST 

Polyethics Industries Inc. expects to create 250 full-time-equivalent positions, generating $12 million in new annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2030, in the village of Antwerp (Paulding County). EcoPoly is a leader in manufacturing plastics from 100 percent recycled materials that are compostable, degradable and/or recyclable. The company produces garbage bags, agricultural plastics, food packaging, and industrial packaging for mostly private label customers. The proposed project involves establishing the company’s first U.S. operations, siting a new manufacturing facility in the Midwest as major private label customers have significantly increased demand. TCA approved a 1.437 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.  

WESTERN 

Sebang Lithium Battery Ohio LLC expects to create 443 full-time-equivalent positions, generating more than $37.1 million in new annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2029, as a result of the company’s project in the village of Jeffersonville (Fayette County). Sebang Lithium Battery manufactures Li-ion battery packs for EVs, forklifts, and other vehicles. The proposed project would establish the company’s first U.S. facility. The company will manufacture energy storage system modules and other battery packs supporting the automotive and energy industries. TCA approved a 2.003 percent, 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.  

Wal-Mart Associates, Inc. expects to create 315 full-time-equivalent employees, generating $19,530,000 in new annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2029, as a result of the company’s project in Turtlecreek Township and the city of Monroe (Warren County). Wal-Mart Associates, Inc., is an American multinational retail corporation operating a global omnichannel network of hypermarkets, discount stores, distribution facilities, and warehouse clubs. The proposed project involves the build-out of a new, non-sortable distribution center to enhance the company’s next-day delivery supply chain network. TCA approved a 1.662 percent, nine-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.