OK of 2 projects will bring jobs to Valley

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Two state agencies signed off on two projects that will bring more than 150 new jobs to the Mahoning Valley.

The Ohio Development Financing Advisory Council on Monday approved a $600,000 Ohio Research Development and Investment Loan for Zidian Manufacturing Inc. of Boardman.

The company plans to invest $11 million in an expansion project that will create 58 full-time jobs and retain 58 full-time jobs.

The investment at the company’s facility on McClurg Road will include $6.5 million in building investment, $3.8 million in machinery and equipment and $740,000 in other investments.

The average hourly rate for all new positions will be $12.75.

Zidian’s produces Gia Russa Italian foods, among other brands.

Also announced Monday, the Ohio Job Creation Tax Authority approved job-creation tax credits valued at $102,085 for Mom’s Meals, a project first reported in The Vindicator last week.

Mom’s Meals, a fresh-food production company, is putting the finishing touches on its new 20,000-square-foot facility on Commissioner Drive in North Jackson in the former home of Heather Creek Foods, which closed this year.

It hopes to create at least 50 new jobs — both hourly and salary — in administration, cooking, packaging, shipping and receiving.

That number could grow to nearly 100.

The Des Moines, Iowa-based company produces and delivers fresh meals for senior citizens and those who are diabetic, are gluten-sensitive or have other special dietary needs.

“It’s exciting to see job creators embracing Ohio’s efforts to create a climate where they can grow and succeed,” said Gov. John Kasich in a statement.