In a comprehensive State of the State address, Governor Mike DeWine celebrated Ohio’s economic growth, job creation, and workforce initiatives while outlining future goals to ensure continued prosperity.
Governor DeWine began by emphasizing Ohio’s economic resilience, noting that the state has reached the highest job numbers in its history. “We’ve added more than 81,000 private-sector jobs, and nearly 5.7 million Ohioans are currently employed,” he stated. He pointed to major projects under development across the state that promise further job creation.
Among the notable investments, First Quality Tissue in Defiance County is set to employ 400 people, while a new soybean processing plant in Wyandot County, backed by a $500 million investment from the Louis Dreyfus Company, will create 114 jobs. Dayton’s Joby Aviation will employ 2,000 workers to manufacture air taxis, and Honda’s electric vehicle battery plant in Fayette County will add 2,200 jobs.
Cincinnati will see an economic boost with the arrival of Worldpay’s corporate headquarters, bringing 500 new jobs. In southeastern Ohio, Speyside Bourbon Cooperage is expanding production, adding 42 new positions in Jackson and Pike counties. Meanwhile, JSW Steel in Jefferson County is upgrading its Mingo Junction plant, securing hundreds of jobs while creating 42 new positions.
Further investments include an expansion in Ashtabula County, where PlasPro is investing $53 million to increase fiberglass door manufacturing, adding 145 jobs. Cleveland’s skyline continues to transform with the completion of the Sherwin-Williams headquarters, which will add 400 jobs downtown, with an additional 132 at its research and development center in Brecksville. Ford’s Avon Lake plant in Lorain County is also expanding, doubling its workforce with 2,000 new jobs.
A major milestone for Ohio is the Anduril Industries
The aerospace project in Pickaway County, the largest job creation project in the state’s history, is expected to generate 4,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs. Additionally, Intel’s $28 billion Silicon Heartland investment in Licking County aims to make Ohio a global leader in microchip manufacturing, with 3,000 new jobs planned.
Governor DeWine also highlighted Ohio’s business-friendly environment, pointing out that the state has risen from 34th to 7th in CNBC’s ranking of best states for business. Site Selection Magazine has ranked Ohio first in the nation for infrastructure and economic development investment for the second consecutive year. Regulatory reform remains a priority, with efforts to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and ease the burden on businesses.
Beyond economic achievements, DeWine emphasized workforce development. He introduced the Ohio Workforce Playbook initiative, led by newly appointed Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel. This program will address regional workforce needs by partnering with universities, career technical schools, and local businesses to equip Ohioans with the skills required for emerging industries.
DeWine also underscored the importance of expanding workforce opportunities for underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, youth in state custody, and retirees. Programs like Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) have helped nearly 32,000 Ohioans secure employment, while organizations such as EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute are successfully reintegrating ex-offenders into the workforce.
Mental health support remains a key priority, with Ohio investing in behavioral health facilities and crisis response initiatives. The state has reduced overdose deaths by 9%, opened a new state behavioral health hospital, and expanded pediatric mental health services. Efforts to eliminate stigma and integrate recovered individuals into the workforce continue to gain momentum, with 6,400 Ohioans trained as certified peer supporters.
Closing his address, Governor DeWine reaffirmed Ohio’s commitment to ensuring every resident has access to opportunities that enable them to achieve their full potential. “Our mission is to act with urgency and focus on filling these jobs. The success of Ohio depends on the success of each and every Ohioan,” he concluded
