Press Release
Commerce Department Invests $1.4 Million to Promote Energy and Advanced Manufacturing in Ohio
June 28, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.45 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Ohio Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Center, the city of Lima, and Ohio Northern University to help build a Research and Development Commercialization incubator focusing on the Sustainable Agile Manufacturing (SAM) process in the Energy and Advanced Manufacturing sectors. The grantee estimates that 162 immediate new jobs will be created, while the project could ultimately create an additional 800 jobs and spur more than $35 million in private investment.
"Supporting growth and innovation in manufacturing is critical to helping America out-compete the rest of the world and create 21st-century jobs," Locke said. "This vital project will boost the research and development of manufacturing in the region's growing energy sector, which represents more than $3 billion in new private investment."
"Together, the Ohio Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Center, the city of Lima, and Ohio Northern University can connect entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and workers with the resources needed to create the next generation of American manufacturing jobs," said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. "This $1.45 million in federal funds will help create more than 160 new jobs in Allen County while advancing our state's reputation as a hot spot for sustainable manufacturing as well as clean energy. The Economic Development Administration has helped create hundreds of jobs while leveraging federal funds into millions of dollars worth of private investment. This investment in Lima will be no different."
The EDA investment will help build the 20,000 sq. ft. Research and Development Commercialization building. The project also includes the construction of 850 ft. of roadway and necessary site improvements including parking area, sidewalks, landscaping, signage, and lighting.
The Obama Administration is committed to building a stronger economy by investing in the research and technology that will lead to new ideas and new industries of the future - that means building new roads and bridges and manufacturing new products right here in America. Recently, the President announced several new commitments by the private sector, colleges, and the National Association of Manufacturers to make it possible for 500,000 community college students to get industry-accepted credentials for manufacturing jobs that companies across America are looking to fill. He also met with his Jobs Council to discuss ways we can spur private sector hiring in the short term and ensure our workers have the skills and training they need in this economy. The Jobs Council announced an effort to train 10,000 new American engineers every year, strengthening our competitiveness to ensure the new jobs and new industries are created right here in America.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.