Taft Promotes Job Creation Agenda in Northeast Ohio
BEDFORD HEIGHTS, OHIO (March 25, 2004) - Governor Bob Taft today joined Bedford Heights Mayor Debora Mallin and Cuyahoga County Commissioners Jimmy Dimora and Peter Lawson Jones to celebrate Lester Precision Die Castings' (PDC) acquisition of the former Metaldyne manufacturing plant, which was slated for closure, and the rehiring of laid off employees. Lester PDC's $9.3 million investment was supported by state and local financial incentives and will retain 168 jobs and create 82 new jobs over the next three years.
"Lester PDC's decision to acquire a facility in Ohio demonstrates our state's continued strength in the manufacturing industry and is a credit to Bedford Heights' skilled workforce," Taft said. "Ohio is a great place to locate and expand a business, and Lester PDC is the type of company we are working to grow more of through our job creation agenda."
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.
Lester PDC produces automotive precision aluminum die castings and purchased the former Metaldyne Hydraulic Controls Bedford Heights plant after Metaldyne began closing this facility and laying off workers in October 2003. State and local officials put together an incentive package for Lester PDC which included an Ohio Department of Development direct loan of $1.2 million and a $500,000 revolving loan from Cuyahoga County. Lester PDC expects to recall all laid off employees by the second quarter of 2004.
