Bright spots exist in local economy
Repository Editorial
Stark County has a future in cheese. That isn't the kind of manufacturing news you might expect, but it's good news for the local economy just the same.
The success of the Biery Cheese Co. in Nimishillen Township is a good reminder - and we can all use one - that some segments of the manufacturing economy here are bucking the conventional wisdom about the dismal state of manufacturing jobs in Northeast Ohio.
Back in 2003, Biery Cheese received a real estate tax break in exchange for promising to keep all 165 of its employees working and to add 36 jobs. As of last spring, when its tax abatement was continued for another year, it had added not 36 jobs but 75.
Since then, it has created eight more jobs, for a total payroll of 248.
Now, under a new tax-incentive deal approved by Stark County commissioners Wednesday, Biery says it will add the equivalent of 25 more full-time jobs.
This time, Biery's growth is connected to the company's plans to double its production capacity, a project that will cost between $9.6 million and $14.4 million.
This is a shot in the arm for the local economy, and it is not the only one.
As the Stark County Regional Planning Commission noted earlier this year, most of the companies that are receiving tax breaks from the county are making good on their agreements to retain or add jobs.
In Canton Township, for example, Foundation Systems & Anchors hopes to add as many as 12 jobs as part of its expansion into production for the wind-energy industry.
The company expects to spend between $1.26 million and $1.93 million on the initiative, which includes enlarging its plant by 21,000 square feet.
Stark County's current employment rate, above 11 percent, reflects the state of the economy in general as well as the widespread difficulties in manufacturing.
But let's not overlook the bright spots.
Companies such as Biery Cheese and Foundation Systems & Anchors deserve credit for their commitment to stay and expand their base in Stark County.
Article reprinted with permission, Copyright 2009, The Repository, All Rights Reserved. |
