Struthers, Ohio Local Business Exchange

Honda plans to invest approximately $3 billion in a new automotive manufacturing plant in central Ohio, with more than 2,000 jobs expected to be created as the company expands its hybrid vehicle production capabilities.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the project November 9 alongside representatives from Honda, JobsOhio, One Columbus, and Union County.

The proposed facility will be located between Honda’s existing Marysville and East Liberty automobile plants.

Production is expected to begin in 2029, subject to final government approvals.

The announcement represents a major expansion of Honda’s manufacturing operations in Ohio, where the company has maintained a substantial automotive production presence for decades.

New Manufacturing Facility Planned

The new plant will incorporate advanced automation, data-driven manufacturing technologies, and flexible production systems.

According to the state’s announcement, the facility is intended to support Honda’s growing hybrid vehicle manufacturing operations.

The company selected central Ohio partly because of its existing manufacturing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and proximity to automotive suppliers.

Honda already operates vehicle, engine, and hybrid system production facilities in the state.

The region also provides access to automotive research and development operations, including Honda’s North American Automotive Development Center and the Transportation Research Center.

These existing resources were identified as important considerations in the company’s decision.

More Than 2,000 Jobs Expected

The new manufacturing plant is projected to create more than 2,000 jobs.

These positions represent anticipated future employment associated with the proposed facility rather than jobs that have already been filled.

The November 9 announcement does not provide a detailed hiring schedule, specific job classifications, or projected average wages.

With production expected to begin in 2029, additional employment information may become available as the project moves through permitting, construction, and equipment installation.

The investment could also create opportunities for companies providing manufacturing equipment, industrial services, construction, and automotive components.

However, the state has not announced specific supplier contracts or additional employment commitments associated with those activities.

Existing Ohio Plants Will Also Receive Upgrades

Honda’s announcement extends beyond the proposed new assembly facility.

The company plans to retool its transmission plant in Russells Point to support production of two next-generation hybrid systems.

The improvements are expected to increase Honda’s hybrid system production capacity in Ohio by 250% in the coming years.

The Russells Point facility will also become the lead production plant for a new hybrid system intended for larger vehicles.

Additional improvements are planned at Honda’s Anna Engine Plant.

That facility will receive a retooled production line for a next-generation four-cylinder engine.

Honda also intends to expand an existing parts consolidation center at the Anna location.

These improvements will help support the company’s broader manufacturing strategy across multiple Ohio facilities.

Investment Builds on Existing Manufacturing Operations

Honda’s decision reflects the importance of established manufacturing infrastructure when companies evaluate major expansion projects.

The company cited Ohio’s workforce, supplier network, engineering resources, and existing production operations among the factors supporting its investment.

The announcement also identifies the L-H Battery Company joint venture as part of the state’s automotive manufacturing network.

That operation is expected to provide flexibility in producing battery cells for hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

For central Ohio, the proposed plant would add another major automotive manufacturing facility while supporting continued investment in existing operations.

The approximately $3 billion investment and more than 2,000 projected jobs remain forward-looking commitments.

Construction and production timelines will depend on the remaining approval and development processes.

Ohio has received federal approval for 260 new Opportunity Zone census tracts, establishing designated areas where qualifying private investments may receive federal tax benefits.

Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the designations November 5, following approval by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The new zones include 96 census tracts in rural communities and are intended to encourage business expansion, housing development, job creation, and community revitalization.

The designations will take effect January 1, 2027, under the updated federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 framework.

Federal Approval Follows Statewide Selection Process

Ohio’s Department of Development received 951 nominations representing 515 eligible census tracts during its statewide selection process.

From those submissions, the state selected 260 tracts for federal designation.

All 260 nominated tracts received approval from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

A census tract is a geographically defined area used by the U.S. Census Bureau for collecting and analyzing population and economic information.

Opportunity Zone designations apply to these specific areas rather than automatically covering entire cities or counties.

The state’s selection process included nominations from communities seeking to attract investment and support local economic development.

New Designations Include Rural Communities

Of Ohio’s 260 newly approved Opportunity Zones, 96 are located in rural communities.

The rural designations are particularly relevant to smaller communities seeking private investment for commercial properties, industrial development, housing, and other economic activity.

Ohio previously received Opportunity Zone designations for 320 census tracts across 73 counties in 2018.

The newly approved areas are part of the next phase of the federal program rather than an extension of every previous designation.

Under the updated framework, states must redesignate eligible Opportunity Zones every 10 years.

Ohio’s new designations are scheduled to remain effective through 2036.

How Opportunity Zones Work

The federal Opportunity Zone program encourages investment in designated communities by offering tax benefits to eligible investors.

Generally, investors participate through Qualified Opportunity Funds, which direct qualifying capital into eligible projects and businesses.

The program can support investments involving commercial real estate, operating businesses, manufacturing facilities, and other qualifying activities.

However, an Opportunity Zone designation does not automatically provide financing to every business located within its boundaries.

Businesses must meet applicable federal requirements, and investors must structure their participation according to the program’s rules.

The November 5 announcement does not establish a new state grant application period or guarantee funding for individual businesses.

Potential Benefits for Local Business Development

For Ohio communities, Opportunity Zone designations may provide another tool for attracting private capital.

Local economic development organizations can use the designated areas when presenting investment opportunities to developers, businesses, and potential financial partners.

The program may also be relevant to entrepreneurs considering new facilities or expansions within eligible census tracts.

Property owners and developers could explore whether proposed redevelopment projects qualify for investment through Opportunity Funds.

Actual benefits depend on the location, investment structure, and applicable federal requirements.

What Happens Next

The newly approved designations become effective January 1, 2027.

Ohio’s announcement confirms the geographic selections and federal approval, but it does not identify a specific number of new jobs or a dollar amount of private investment already committed to the designated areas.

Those outcomes will depend on future decisions by businesses, investors, and developers.

For Ohio business owners, the immediate practical consideration is whether an existing or proposed business location falls within one of the newly designated census tracts.

The Ohio Department of Development is the appropriate state resource for additional information about the designations.

The announcement represents a new ...

Several businesses in Dublin, Ohio, are expanding their operations, establishing new facilities, or planning additional employment as the city advances its economic development strategy.

The City of Dublin published an economic development update October 27, 2026, highlighting investments across financial services, healthcare technology, engineering, professional services, and commercial development.

The update follows the city’s annual Economic Development Strategic Update held October 20.

City officials also outlined plans to prepare additional commercial property for future development.

New Corporate Headquarters Planned at Bridge North

Northwest Bank is planning a new corporate headquarters at the Bridge North development.

The proposed facility will contain approximately 75,000 square feet of office space.

According to Dublin officials, the company’s employment is expected to grow to more than 300 by the end of 2034.

The project represents a significant planned investment in Dublin’s commercial office market.

However, the city has not announced that all projected positions are currently available.

Employment growth will occur according to the company’s development and staffing plans.

Technology and Engineering Businesses Expand

Several additional businesses are increasing their presence in Dublin.

Rosen, a technology and engineering company, relocated its data analysis department to a 16,500-square-foot facility at 5900 Parkwood Place.

The operation initially brought 27 full-time employees to the city.

The company plans to expand that team to approximately 100 employees within three years.

Danforth, a mechanical services provider, is also establishing an expanded Dublin facility.

The company anticipates adding 100 positions over the next seven years.

These projects involve different industries but share an emphasis on expanding existing business operations.

Healthcare Robotics Company Plans Additional Employment

Apricity Robotics, a healthcare technology business developing robotics applications for sonography, is establishing operations in approximately 6,000 square feet of space on Cramer Creek Court.

The company expects to retain 26 full-time positions by the end of 2026 and estimates that it will add another 12 employees.

Additional business activity includes the expansion of InnoSource’s headquarters, with the company projecting approximately 30% growth over five years.

Micware, a business specializing in connected mobility and automotive navigation technology, has also leased additional office space at 5525 Parkcenter Circle.

Medical Facility Planned on City-Owned Land

Another major development involves plans by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

The organization is planning a specialized medical building containing at least 150,000 square feet.

The project would occupy approximately 16.3 acres of city-owned land next to the medical center’s existing outpatient facility.

The announcement does not provide a complete construction schedule or identify the number of additional jobs associated with the proposed building.

City Preparing Additional Commercial Development Areas

Dublin is also developing plans for approximately 210 acres in its Metro Center area.

The proposed redevelopment framework includes design guidelines and zoning considerations intended to support future investment.

Planning and Zoning Commission review is anticipated in November or December 2026, with City Council consideration targeted for early 2027.

The city is also advancing infrastructure and development planning for its West Innovation District.

Additional regional coordination is underway along the State Route 161 corridor, where transportation, utilities, and future land uses are being evaluated.

What Local Businesses Should Watch

The announced projects may eventually create opportunities involving commercial construction, facility services, technology support, and other business activities.

However, the October 27 update does not establish that specific procurement contracts are currently available.

Similarly, projected employment figures should not be interpreted as immediate job openings.

Businesses interested in expansion opportunities can contact Dublin’s Economic Development Department for information about available properties, development plans, and local business resources.

For Dublin’s commercial community, the ...