Ohio’s Logistics and Distribution Assets Make State an Easy Sell
By Ted Griffith,
Managing Director of IT and Logistics & Distribution,
JobsOhio
Macy’s, Amazon and Dollar Tree are the most recent companies that have announced plans to build distribution centers in Ohio. They join companies like Home Depot, Hayneedle, zulily, Restoration Hardware and McLane Co., which already have significant distribution operations in our state. Why do these companies want to put their distribution facilities here, in Ohio? Because Ohio makes it easy to move goods where they need to go.
As e-commerce continues to grow, retailers want to move closer to dense population centers where most of their customers live. Ohio fits the bill, with three major metropolitan areas – Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland – as well several smaller metro areas, including Akron, Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown. And it’s within a day’s drive of 60 percent of U.S. and Canadian markets. Ohio’s proximity to customers provides a clear advantage for companies involved in e-commerce and logistics and distribution.
But being close to customers and markets isn’t enough. Companies must be able to deliver their goods to those markets quickly, reliably and cost-effectively. Ohio has the assets to make that happen, including:
- Six distribution and processing centers owned by the nation’s four largest delivery companies (UPS, DHL, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service).
- An integrated transportation system with 6,820 miles of interstate highway, 13 intermodal facilities and 10 major rail yards.
- Maritime transport capabilities via Lake Erie and the Ohio River.
- A location conveniently situated between both coasts.
- A tech-forward environment exploring autonomous and connected vehicle capabilities.
- Nationally ranked supply chain management and logistics programs creating a constant flow of skilled talent.
- A low risk of natural disasters.
These assets should make it easier to sell Ohio to companies looking for the best state to build or expand their distribution facilities.
Workforce Transit Route Planned to Connect Region
A joint effort between City of Middletown, Atrium Medical Center, City of Monroe, and Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) to connect people within the region to available jobs kicks off on Tuesday, September 11 with the addition of the WorkLink bus route.
read moreRiversEdge at Marcum Park in Hamilton, Ohio named one of five Great Public Spaces in the U.S. by the American Planning Association
The American Planning Association (APA) recently named RiversEdge at Marcum Park in Hamilton, Ohio, as one of five Great Public Spaces on APA’s annual Great Places in America list. APA’s Great Places in America program recognizes the streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces in the United States demonstrating exceptional character, quality, and planning—attributes that enrich communities, facilitate economic growth, and inspire others around the country. The Great Neighborhoods, Great Streets, and Great Public Spaces of 2018 are places that are unique and exemplary in their amenities and infrastructure, cultural identity, and use of sustainable and innovative practices.
read moreCall for Governor’s Cup Submissions
It is time again to start thinking about the Governor’s Cup, awarded by Site Selection magazine every spring. Ohio continues to be a leading destination for new business investment and job creation. Through a statewide collaborative effort, we can continue our positive momentum by submitting successful economic development projects to the Governor’s Cup submission portal at https://jobsohio.com/govcup-input until November 20, 2018.
read more