INTERNATIONAL TRADE EFFORTS GENERATE $171 MILLION IN 2001
600 New Jobs Created From Expansion Projects in Ohio
COLUMBUS (December 28, 2001) — Governor Bob Taft today announced that international trade and investment mission efforts with foreign companies in 2001 generated more than $57 million in new business for existing Ohio companies and $114 million in new investment, creating more than 600 new jobs in Ohio.
“Ohio’s reputation for business excellence in the global marketplace continues to grow,” Taft said. “The increasing number of international firms that have located in the state and the commitment by Ohio companies to pursue international business opportunities through exporting are strengthening our economy and creating jobs for Ohioans.”
Taft led representatives of 24 Ohio companies and organizations on the Ohio Business Mission to South America March 3-17. The mission included stops in Argentina, Brazil and Chile. To date, the mission has generated $57,329,000 in expected new business.
As a result of the postponed October Business and Investment Mission to Europe, Taft conducted personal meetings via teleconference to secure investment with several foreign companies. Taft’s efforts resulted in an estimated $61 million Ben Venue Laboratories expansion project in Bedford (Cuyahoga County) and $53 million LuK, Inc. expansion project in Wooster (Wayne County). Each project is expected to create 300 new jobs. The mission, which was postponed in the wake of the events of September 11, is expected to take place in April 2002.
Ohio companies and organizations interested in promoting foreign investment
or seeking export opportunities are encouraged to contact the Ohio Department
of Development’s International Trade Division by phone at (614) 466-5017
or (800) 848-1300, or visit www.exportohio.state.oh.us.