COLUMBUS, Ohio , March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The State of Ohio is expanding its national leadership in the aerospace and logistics industries through strategic economic development investments, including redevelopment of the Wilmington Air Park, the nation's largest privately owned airport.
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The Ohio Department of Development recently announced that Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services (AMES), www.airbornemx.com, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), will become the first new tenant of the facility, which had been the national hub for DHL Express until it ceased domestic-only air and ground shipping operations in the U.S. in January.
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Noting that other states had competed for the new AMES business, Air Transport Services Group CEO Joseph Hete said that Ohio offered the best total package for growth. "The Wilmington Air Park is a great strategic asset for aircraft maintenance, air cargo and logistics operations," he said. "When you add in the central location, well-educated 21st century workforce, business-friendly policies and a great work-life balance, Ohio offers clear competitive advantages for a company like AMES."
According to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment, the economic development efforts by the state will further distinguish Ohio as a national leader in the aerospace and logistics industries and create high-paying jobs for the state's skilled workforce.
"Ohio's investments will help the city of Wilmington leverage additional opportunities for economic development that are being pursued by the Economic Task Force for the DHL Hub in Wilmington , including opportunities in the aerospace and logistics industries," said Wilmington Mayor David Raizk , who serves as co-chair of the task force. "The community realizes the critical need to continue air service at the air park. A busy air park sends the right message to build business at this state-of-the-art aerospace and logistics facility."
Ohio is purposefully redesigning the state business climate to be the ideal location choice for capital investment. One impressive example of change is the state's sweeping tax reform enacted in 2005. With its revamped tax code, Ohio's state taxes will be the lowest in the Midwest for companies making new capital investments, including in the aerospace and logistics industries.
Ed Burghard , executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition said, "Ohio's redesigned business climate and world-class transportation and logistics infrastructure allow businesses to be globally successful without executives and employees having to sacrifice their families or personal dreams."
"Business owners profit from the bottom-line benefits of better work:life balance for their employees. Ohio offers low-cost, low-stress communities in a combination of micropolitan and metropolitan cities. This diversity provides executives and employees the resources and time to make any ambition achievable. Ohio truly is the state of perfect balance."
Top talent in the aerospace industry is attracted to Ohio's internationally renowned federal aerospace research centers, federal laboratories, ten leading universities with dedicated doctoral level research and education programs in aerospace related disciplines, and more than 450 aerospace manufacturers and suppliers all working in collaboration to develop innovative solutions for the nation's aerospace needs.
About the Ohio Business Development Coalition
The Ohio Business Development Coalition is a nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment. The OBDC provides marketing strategy and implementation to support Ohio's economic development efforts. For more information on business development or business relocation, visit www.ohiomeansbusiness.com.
SOURCE Ohio Business Development Coalition
