Friday, April 21, 2006
Warren is in competition with Pennsylvania for the facility.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- One of the world's largest distributors of promotional products and advertising specialties is considering creating a facility in Warren.
Julie Michael Smith, the governor's regional representative, and Alan Knapp, director of the Trumbull County Planning Commission, confirmed Thursday that Leedsworld Inc. is looking to locate in Trumbull County.
It is known that the company is considering a site in Warren.
Smith termed it a "fairly substantial project" that would be involved in distribution and light assembly.
The application of Leedsworld for job performance tax credits will be considered Monday by the Ohio Tax Credit Board in Columbus.
The approving authority for tax credits is the Jobs Creation Tax Credit Board. There must be a minimum of 25 jobs created in most cases to receive state approval for the credits.
Financing
Also Monday, the Development Financing Advisory Council will consider financing a portion of the project. The approving authority for the financing is the Ohio Controlling Board, on which state Rep. Sylvester D. Patton Jr., D-60th, of Youngstown, has a seat.
Smith would not say the amount of tax credits or financing Leedsworld is seeking. That will be released Monday, she noted.
Smith said Leedsworld has not decided if it will choose an Ohio or Pennsylvania site. The company is based in New Kensington, Pa.
"It's a competitive project," she said. "It's a nice project."
"It would be very nice," Knapp added.
Smith would not say how many jobs are involved, but characterize them as a "goodly number."
A Leedsworld representative could not be reached to comment Thursday. Mayor Michael J. O'Brien could not be reached either.
The company is a worldwide distributor of corporate accessories including bags, writing instruments, insulated items, gift sets, luggage and both leather and textile merchandise, according to its Web site.
Services include logo embossing, screen printing and embroidery services.
yovich@vindy.com