Founded over a century ago, the dairy produces milk and ice cream for the entire northern Ohio region while maintaining its headquarters in Sandusky. MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE AND BUSINESS EXPANSION While new sectors take root, Erie County’s manufacturing base remains the backbone of its economy, employing over 6,000 people across the region. LEWCO Manufacturing, a local company, recently completed a major expansion that added jobs and modernized its production capabilities. Ardagh Metal beverage just finished a 500 million dollar factory employing over 500 people.Scotts Miracle-Gro, another significant employer, continues to operate facilities in the region, benefiting from the county’s strategic location between the Ohio Turnpike and Route 2. These major arteries provide direct logistical connections that manufacturers require for efficient supply chain operations. “I still think a lot of our growth in the future is going to continue to be driven by the success and expansion of existing small to medium sized manufacturers like Toft’s, LEWCO Growers Mineral, and others,” Wobser says. “We’ve seen a lot of expansion supported by the county, by the local communities in those places, by the Port Authority and by JobsOhio. And I think that we’re going to see most of our growth through continuing to make sure those companies are successful in growing and adding jobs.” This focus on existing business expansion drives the county’s infrastructure strategy. The Route 250 corridor tax increment financing arrangement represents the first of what county leaders hope will be multiple investments in preparing land for development. “Let’s continue to invest in our major corridors because I think it’s along those major corridors, if they have the appropriate utilities, that you’ll see a lot of growth,”Wobser adds.The approach focuses on removing barriers to investment rather than waiting for development pressure to force infrastructure upgrades. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND TALENT ATTRACTION The county’s economic expansion plans hinge on 82 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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