Companies continue interest in Ohio

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A report released Wednesday by JobsOhio shows continued interest in the state from companies.

JobsOhio, a private non-profit corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in the state, reported it worked on 330 projects with companies that committed to create 23,602 jobs and invest $6.7 billion in new capital in 2015, according to the JobsOhio annual report.

The growing industries in the state were biohealth, information technology and advanced manufacturing.

The private sector’s job growth in the state outpaced the Midwest region in 2015. Employment in the private sector increased by 400,700 jobs from January 2011 to December 2015.

Manufacturing, professional and business services and transportation and warehousing have led employment growth in the state.

In the report, shale investment growth is noted as a way to help diversify the Ohio economy.

Technology, cutting-edge materials and innovative processes are beginning to transform manufacturing in Ohio, the report states.

JobsOhio works to showcase the state’s automotive assets, aerospace and aviation resources and advanced manufacturing infrastructure to drive manufacturing growth. A picture of a 3-D printer at a local company, Bravura 3D, is featured in the organization’s annual report. Bravura is a Youngstown Business Incubator portfolio company.

The JobsOhio network includes six region-based economic-development partners. Team NEO, or Northeast Ohio, covers the Mahoning Valley.

In 2015, Team NEO reported 3,640 new jobs, 12,742 retained jobs and $687 million in capital investment.

Investments made in Northeast Ohio last year include: GOJO Industries, which invested $43.1 million in Wooster and added 244 jobs; and Abeona Therapeutics relocating its headquarters from Texas to Ohio for a $5.8 million investment.

Team NEO plans to focus its efforts this year on the area’s top industries: biohealth, automotive, advanced manufacturing, professional services/headquarter operations, metals and chemicals.