COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio has earned a 2026 Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine, recognition driven by a wave of major economic development projects across the state, including Kimberly-Clark’s $800 million manufacturing facility in Warren.
The annual Silver Shovel Awards recognize states that attract high-impact economic development projects generating significant capital investment and job creation. Ohio received the award in the category for states with populations between 8 million and 12 million.
Ohio’s recognition was led by Anduril Industries’ $910 million aerospace manufacturing investment in Pickaway County. The project, named one of Area Development’s Manufacturing Projects of the Year, is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs and positions Ohio as a major player in next-generation defense manufacturing while reinforcing its long-standing role as an industrial leader.
Kimberly-Clark’s investment in Trumbull County was among the projects cited by Area Development in selecting Ohio for the award. The consumer products manufacturer is investing $800 million to build a manufacturing facility in Warren that is expected to create 491 jobs, making it one of the largest manufacturing projects in the Mahoning Valley in recent decades.
The project was supported through a collaborative effort involving state, regional and local partners, including local governments that approved tax incentives and other measures to help facilitate the development.
Beyond Kimberly-Clark, Area Development pointed to a diverse portfolio of manufacturing, health care and energy projects that underscored Ohio’s economic development momentum.
First Quality Tissue announced a $984 million investment in Defiance that will create 407 jobs, while Whirlpool Corp. is investing $300 million in operations in Clyde and Marion, adding 448 jobs. LayerZero plans a $14 million advanced manufacturing project in Streetsboro that will create 535 jobs.
Health care and pharmaceutical investments also helped secure the award. Hims & Hers will invest $200 million in New Albany, creating 400 medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing jobs, while Amgen is investing $822 million there to create 350 jobs. Givaudan is establishing a $215 million flavor and fragrance operation in Reading that will employ 300 people.
Additional projects include StandardAero’s expansion in Sharonville, which will add 300 aerospace jobs, and Centrus’ creation of 300 energy jobs in Piketon.
Area Development said this year’s awards recognize states that continue to attract major capital investments despite a more complex policy and trade environment.
Anthony Trevena, executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority, said the Kimberly-Clark project demonstrates what can be accomplished through long-term investment in redevelopment and regional cooperation.
“This recognition is a testament to what can happen when strong partnerships, strategic site redevelopment and a shared vision come together,” Trevena said. “The transformation of the former BDM Steel site into a world-class Kimberly-Clark facility reflects years of coordinated effort and investment in our infrastructure.”
Trevena said the project also demonstrates the region’s ability to compete for major industrial investments.
“We are proud to have helped position the Mahoning Valley to compete for and win projects of this scale, and this award underscores that our region is not only ready for major industry but leading the way.”
Dani Robbins, CEO of Lake to River Economic Development, said the recognition reflects the strength of regional collaboration in attracting transformative projects.
“Kimberly-Clark’s investment in Trumbull County ranks among the most significant in our region’s history,” Robbins said. “Recognition like this validates the kind of collaboration that keeps landing major projects in the Lake to River region.”