Regional Chamber Issues 2018 Development Report
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Economic development projects collectively valued at nearly $122 million were completed in 2018 by the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, the organization reports. The projects resulted in 251 new jobs, 1,198 retained jobs, new payroll of nearly $9 million and retained payroll of $42.5 million.
The numbers are contained in the chamber’s 2018 economic development year in review, which also highlights key projects.
Among them is the PurFoods Inc.’s $11 million project that is constructing a 76,000-square-foot fulfillment center (pictured above) adjacent to the company’s kitchen facility in North Jackson. PurFoods provides refrigerated, home-delivered specialty meals to seniors and patients recovering at home after discharge from medical facilities.
Also highlighted is the relocation of Mellace Family Brands, Johnvince Foods from the village of Lordstown to a building at 655 North River Road in Warren. The project retained 70 jobs and the company plans to add 25 positions over three years, the chamber report states. The company packages and distributes snack foods.
High-profile projects cited in the chamber report include plans by Ellwood Group Inc. to build a 460 million aluminum casting plant in Hubbard Township, the $170 million warehouse and distribution center slated for construction in Lordstown by the HomeGoods division of TJX Companies, the opening of the $890 million Lordstown Energy Center electric plant and the purchase of the former Parker Hannifin building in the Salt Springs Industrial Park in Youngstown by HMS, a Michigan-based distributor of retail products.
The chamber said its staff completed 426 retention and expansion visits at businesses in the region.
Over the course of 2018, the chamber responded to 70 property leads, submitting a total of 126 land sites and 347 building, according to the report.
The chamber’s available properties database lists 232 commercial and industrial buildings and sites available for development projects.
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