In recent years, the word ‘reshoring’ has been on the lips of many a business owner. Referring to the movement to bring manufacturing and services back to America from other countries, the reshoring movement grew following the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. But it took COVID-19 to kick it into high gear.
During the pandemic, broken supply chains and geopolitical tensions combined to cause production delays lasting months. Material shortages—especially of semiconductors produced in Asia—affected all industries.
Once used mainly in computers, integrated chips have become critical to the functioning of data centers, vehicles, smartphones, televisions, solar panels, industrial robots, communication systems, airplanes, and even household appliances like coffee makers. Under pressure from the pandemic and now short of chips, American production lines reeled, triggering shortages in everything from $99 microwaves to luxury automobiles.
Once the chips were down…
Realizing that U.S. manufacturers were far too dependent on overseas manufacturers, former U.S. President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law in August 2022. Billions of dollars were allocated to American semiconductor research and production and the Act was applauded for its successful reduction of America’s dependence on foreign semiconductors while boosting domestic manufacturing.
Across the U.S., some communities viewed the Act as an opportunity to attract new industries and jobs to their communities. Successful among these was Licking County, Ohio and its communities, supported by economic development organizations like GROW Licking County.
Created in 2012, the 501©(3) non-profit Community Improvement Corporation was founded through the joint efforts of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, county commissioners, and the county’s Port Authority to provide individualized support and help businesses relocate and thrive in this Central Ohio community. Now, as a strategic partner, GROW Licking County offers a range of resources ensuring that companies of all sizes can prosper.
Named after the Licking River, the community has built a strong economic reputation across myriad industries. Sand from nearby quarries is used in glass manufacturing, while crops like corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat have become strong drivers, along with pigs, chickens, and other livestock. Over the years, these sectors have been joined by service industries, retail, social assistance, and health care.
“Until about a decade ago, we were the second-largest populated county in Central Ohio,” explains Executive Director, Cameron Garczyk. “But to this day, we’re still the second-largest manufacturing county in Central Ohio, and that’s a testament to our longstanding manufacturing history.” Factors behind Licking’s growth include its proximity to Franklin County and the acclaimed Ohio State University. “Franklin County is number one in almost all the metrics when you’re looking at economic development or industry, but Licking County has always been a close second in many instances,” shares Garczyk.
Transportation and industrial parks
Historically, the county has been known for its accessibility. U.S. Route 40, historically called the ‘National Road,’ parallels Interstate 70 and remains a major transportation hub. And unlike many other communities, Licking County has had industrial parks for decades. “That’s a relatively new concept,” says Garczyk. “You didn’t have industrial parks 60 or 70 years ago like you do today. Back then, you just put a factory on land where it made sense.”
Envisioning future growth, innovative community leaders designated specific plots of land for businesses, did some speculative building development, and really marketed the area. “That has benefited us tremendously. Residents are accustomed to new development and industries coming in, and we have families working in those types of businesses. A long history of industry and manufacturing sets us apart from a lot of our peers in Central Ohio.”
One business recently establishing itself in the area is multinational technology giant Intel. The CHIPS and Science Act was a factor behind the expansion, along with the county and region’s reputation for manufacturing. A few years ago, the California-headquartered company announced it was investing over $28 billion in two new cutting-edge chip factories in Ohio to meet growing semiconductor demand.
Once completed, the 1,000-acre “mega-site” in Licking County’s New Albany will accommodate eight chip factories, supporting operations and ecosystem partners. Intel has already invested over $7 billion in Ohio, with the two manufacturing facilities slated to open in Licking County by 2031.
“It’s put Licking County on the map in a way that we weren’t before,” says Garczyk. “It’s a testament to our state and regional partners, JobsOhio, One Columbus, and the City of New Albany, which has established a world-class business park that’s mostly in Licking County.”
Increasingly known as a high-tech hub, the city’s business park continues to attract large, well-known manufacturers. Last year, biotechnology giant Amgen announced a $900 million expansion to its Ohio manufacturing facility. “Ohio offers a supportive business climate, skilled workforce, and strategic location, making it an ideal choice for this next phase of our investment,” says Amgen’s chairman and CEO, Robert A. Bradway, in a press release. The move represents an investment of more than $1.4 billion in Central Ohio and will create an additional 350 new jobs.
A true success story, Amgen represents another chapter in Licking County’s economic growth, which includes data center development, pharmaceutical growth, other categories of advanced manufacturing, and now, renewable energy as well.
Illuminate USA—a shining example
Leading American solar panel manufacturer Illuminate USA is based in Pataskala, Ohio, where it operates a 1.1 million-square-foot facility. Illuminate USA is the largest solar panel maker in the Western hemisphere, starting just four years ago with virtually no employees. For GROW Licking County Community Improvement Corporation, the burgeoning of this high-efficiency solar-panel manufacturer is a source of pride, and the company now boasts a local workforce of over 1,600.
“Solar is an energy discussion, but it’s also part of that national discussion on tariffs on manufacturing and bringing good-paying manufacturing jobs back to the United States, particularly from Asia and other countries,” comments Garczyk.
“It’s been a great story for us to tell, how they chose Licking County and Central Ohio to set up shop. And it’s been a success story on how you can manufacture a product that has mostly been manufactured overseas, and is crucial to our future energy needs—and we’re able to produce it right here in the United States.”
A key local employer, Illuminate USA has been key to the State of Ohio’s becoming the number one solar manufacturing hub in the U.S. “We’re keeping up, and we’re continuing to watch the demand,” says Brittany Rogers, Chief Human Resources and People Officer for Illuminate. “We really support continued growth because it’s great for ourselves and for generations to come.”
As America’s largest solar manufacturer, Illuminate USA produces 9.2 million solar panels annually at its Pataskala location.
Port Authority success
Another one of the county’s success stories is the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority. Formed in 1995, the Port Authority’s mission encompasses management, development, and fostering solutions for industrial development and growth across the county. Many businesses call it home, including paint and stain maker Behr, organic baby formula manufacturer Bobbie, and aeronautics, space, military, and satellite juggernaut Boeing.
Garczyk tells us the Port’s longtime President and CEO, Rick Platt, says, “from missiles to milk,” to describe the many businesses on the Port’s campus, which also includes the Central Ohio Aerospace & Technology Center, the Seminary Ridge Business Park, and Newark STEMFlex®.
“Having that diversity throughout the county is really crucial,” he says. “Chip-making at Intel, solar panel manufacturing, missile systems, automotive manufacturing, and then you have organic infant formula. So that’s a testament to our success; it’s not just centered on one or two specific types of industries.”
Better for business
Plenty of available land and industrial parks are just a few reasons businesses are choosing Licking County. Another is energy, which is becoming more of a conversation every day with the growth of data centers. The State of Ohio has abundant natural gas, which has contributed to businesses such as Intel choosing to locate in the state. And with higher education institutions in the area, including Ohio State’s largest satellite campus in Newark, Central Ohio Technical College, and Denison University, there’s a deep pool of educated potential workers.
Garczyk adds that the county’s affordability, natural beauty, location, and quality of life are also incentives for companies to move to the area. For businesses, it isn’t just about available land but building a community where staff members want to live and raise families.
Economic development agencies are composed of the county’s local elected officials, and everyone, he says, is moving in the same direction to ensure success.
“That collaborative approach has led to some great wins, and that’s not always the case in other places. We have a really great network of economic development folks in this region who want to see big wins and good things happen. GROW Licking County has been a true success story.”
