In a significant move for Ohio's economic development, Governor Mike DeWine recently announced that First Quality Tissue will establish its new production facility in Defiance, bringing the largest singular investment and a substantial number of jobs to Defiance County. According to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's office, the company is gearing up to construct a 1.6 million-square-foot ultra-premium towel and tissue production plant.
With the promise of over 400 new jobs and $22.5 million in new annual payroll by 2032, this represents more than just a business expansion. It is a pivotal economic catalyst for the area. The facility, which is projected to cost $984 million, will be situated on a 1,000-acre plot in the Baltimore Avenue Industrial Corridor, a prime location that has benefitted from a $14.6 million injection from the All Ohio Future Fund to prepare for such large-scale development opportunities. Governor DeWine was quoted saying, "Ohio's work to proactively prepare this Defiance County site, is a win-win for Ohio, Defiance County, and First Quality Tissue."
The competition to secure the First Quality Tissue facility was intense, with Ohio edging out several other states. A testimony to this competitive process is the approval by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority of a 1.740 percent, 10-year tax credit for the project. Emphasizing the significance of this investment for the local workforce and economy, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik stated, “First Quality Tissue’s investment will strengthen northwest Ohio’s economy, create jobs, and build on our state’s manufacturing legacy.”
A notable aspect of this development is First Quality Tissue’s commitment to the community, recognizing the incentives and support provided by local and state government officials. The collaboration of numerous state, local, and regional partners, including the Ohio Department of Development, the Regional Growth Partnership, and the Defiance County Economic Development, was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Erika Willitzer, executive director of Defiance County Economic Development, acknowledged the impact of the company’s decision, "Securing a company of First Quality’s caliber will be transformational not only for Defiance County but for the entire region."
Ohio has been actively moving to position itself as a prime location for business growth. This initiative can be seen in the All Ohio Future Fund, which Governor DeWine highlighted in his 2023 State of the State Address as pivotal in ensuring that all regions of Ohio benefit from the state's economic revival. With 62 companies from the East and West coasts having expanded their businesses in Ohio since 2019, creating over 21,000 new jobs and attracting substantial capital investment, the First Quality Tissue project aligns with the ongoing goals of economic prosperity and regional development across the state.
.jpg){kind=link}