Taft Applauds Dana for its Northwest Ohio Investment
COLUMBUS, OHIO (April 16, 2004) - Governor Bob Taft today attended the grand opening ceremony for the Dana Automotive Systems Group Technology Center. The new facility represents a $42 million investment, and will retain 175 jobs and create more than 275 good, new jobs in the Toledo area.
"Dana's decisions to expand in Ohio demonstrate our state's continued strength in the manufacturing industry and are a credit to the skilled workforce in Northwest Ohio," Taft said. "Ohio is a great place to locate and expand a business, and through our job creation agenda we are working hard every day to grow more good jobs for Ohioans."
Dana's expansion in northwest Ohio consolidates the Spicer Drive Shaft and Axle Divisions, previously located in Lucas County and Fort Wayne, Indiana, into one technology center. The project includes the construction of a 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art technology center and an 80,000 square-foot office facility for Dana Automotive Systems Group. The new technology center focuses on global engineering and research and development for Dana's global traction technologies and torque management businesses.
Taft's 2004 State of the State address, delivered in January, outlined his job creation agenda, which he reiterated during today's visit. Major points of this agenda include:
? The creation of a new Jobs Cabinet, chaired by Development Director Bruce Johnson, which is working to help those who have lost jobs, enable companies to find the skilled workers they need to succeed, and cut red tape through regulatory reform.
? Working with the Legislature to pass the Jobs Bill, introduced March 9, which would:
o Increase funding for the Ohio Investment in Training Program and the Wright Centers of Innovation;
o Create the new Worker Guarantee Program to ensure the presence of a highly-skilled workforce for companies committed to bringing at least 100 new jobs to the state over a three-year period; and
o Expand time restraints on enterprise zones, ensuring additional investments in new businesses, while maintaining current laws of how businesses interact with local schools.
? Asking the legislature to pass comprehensive tort reform legislation and workers' compensation reform.
? Enacting tax reform to lower rates, broaden the tax base and ensure taxpayers are treated fairly.
? Sustaining the Third Frontier Project through the tobacco budget and capital bill, and redirecting additional dollars to protect investments already made.
? Protecting Ohio's defense jobs by providing an additional $1 million to fully fund local community efforts to fight the federal base closure process.
Dana Corporation operates 300 major facilities in 34 countries and employs more than 70,000 people worldwide. In Ohio, Dana operates 30 facilities and provides nearly 4,500 jobs for Ohio workers.
