Southwest Ohio Offers Heavy Industrial Infrastructure
Ohio is the Midwest’s powerhouse for economic growth and development. The southwest region, in particular, is a key player. This region, that includes Cincinnati and Middletown along the I-75 corridor, represents exceptional business location, expansion and relocation opportunities available making it is one of the largest industrial, distribution and manufacturing areas in the United States.
Located in the southwest quadrant of Ohio, the region shares borders with Kentucky and Indiana. It provides world-class industry access to corporate manufacturing customers and suppliers with its two major intersecting rail lines; three rivers for shipping; and major Interstate highways—all within 100 miles of other major Midwestern cities. It is also home to nine Fortune 500 global headquarters and an additional 360+ firms maintain operations in the area.
According to Site Selection magazine, Ohio was awarded the coveted Governor’s Cup four times (2006-2009) for being the U.S. state that achieved the greatest number of business expansions each year. It also placed in the top four among all 50 states in the last six years.
More companies have invested in Ohio than any other Midwest state, with more than $30 billion invested in business expansions. It underlines the fact that successful companies around the world are choosing Ohio as the best location for their U.S. operations.
A Transportation Hub
Southwest Ohio has a first-class transit infrastructure that gives the region superior access to profitable markets in major cities and ports throughout Ohio, the Midwest and the East Coast.
The diverse transit capabilities provide business access to North American customers and suppliers located within 62 percent of all US and Canadian manufacturing locations. Strategic Foreign Trade Zones and sub-zones make importing and exporting feasible with duty-free, quota-free secured sites.
A major rail line serves the region. CSX provides rail service to all major cities and ports throughout Ohio, the Midwest and the East Coast including access to Great Lake ports and barge services on the Ohio River.
Three rivers—the Ohio, Little Miami and Great Miami—are important arteries for barge traffic with linkages to other rivers across the Midwest. Cargo shipping begins on the Ohio River and connects to rivers that lead in all directions. Nearly 13.4 million tons pass annually through Port Cincinnati.
Trucks move across a labyrinth of interstate highway systems—I-75, I-71, I-70 and I-65—that serve Ohio and other major U.S. cities reaching 20 major metro markets within 400 miles and 30 more markets within 600 miles.
Two major airports facilitate global access to markets—Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport which provides daily non-stop services to the 50 largest markets in the U.S.; and, Dayton International Airport which can transport by air in only 90 minutes to 55 percent of the country’s population, ideal for cargo distribution.
Ohio means business
Ohio Tax Reform. Ohio offers the lowest new capital investment tax structure in the Midwest. Companies won’t be taxed for investing in capital improvements necessary to be competitive, modernize manufacturing lines, or invest in machinery and equipment.
Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ). A foreign trade zone in Cincinnati (and a proposed FTZ in Middletown) allow companies to reduce operating costs while increasing profits. Ohio’s International Trade Assistance Centers provide help for businesses, offering marketplace support and links with offices worldwide to help Ohio companies target new customers to international markets.
Ohio Enterprise Zone. Program offers local communities the opportunity to work directly with local companies to provide real estate tax incentives to encourage the retention and expansion of business in the region.
Southwest Ohio is the ideal location for manufacturing and distribution. It’s centrally located to customers and suppliers; taxes are lower for manufacturers; the workforce is skilled and educated; and the state offers many incentives to attract and keep businesses in Ohio. Download White Paper >>
