Air freight hub, incentives lure Dell distribution center

WEST CHESTER, Ohio (AP) -- Texas computer maker Dell Inc. plans to begin work next month on an East Coast distribution center that could create 655 jobs in this Cincinnati suburb within three years.
The company made the announcement Monday as Butler County commissioners approved creation of an enterprise zone, the last piece of a state and local incentive package worth up to $10 million.
Dell, based in Round Rock, Texas, is the world's largest direct-sale computer vendor, with 2003 sales of more than $41 billion. Workers at the center will support distribution of computer accessories, replacement parts and Dell's printer ink business.
Dell spokeswoman Amy King said the proximity of DHL's air freight hub in Wilmington, less than 50 miles from the nearly 430,000-square-foot building Dell has leased in West Chester Township, was a key to the decision.
Ohio is providing DHL with an incentive package worth $400 million to close its Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport operations and consolidate them into the Wilmington facility.
"That was a major turning point in the project. We were competing very strongly with northern Kentucky," said Melissa Koehler, the West Chester economic development director.
The Wilmington airport, owned by DHL and operated by the independent company ABX Air Inc., employs more than 6,000 people.