Defiance, Ohio – A major economic boost is coming to northwest Ohio with the announcement that First Quality Tissue will build a new production facility in Defiance. This project marks the largest single investment and job-creation effort in the county’s history, bringing more than 400 new jobs and $22.5 million in annual payroll to the region by 2032.
A Transformational Investment in Ohio
Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, and JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef revealed that First Quality Tissue Midwest will invest $984 million to establish a 1.6 million square-foot production facility at the Baltimore Avenue Industrial Corridor. This site, which spans 1,000 acres, was among the first locations to receive funding through the All Ohio Future Fund, an initiative designed to prepare large-scale industrial sites for economic development.
“The All Ohio Future Fund was created to attract and support established companies that are prepared to hit the ground running and make a significant investment in jobs and capital in our state,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio’s work to proactively prepare this Defiance County site is a win-win for Ohio, Defiance County, and First Quality Tissue.”
Strategic Site Preparation Paved the Way
To prepare for large-scale investments like this, Governor DeWine awarded $14.6 million from the All Ohio Future Fund to install essential infrastructure at the Defiance County site. Ohio competed against several other states to secure First Quality Tissue’s investment, and the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.740 percent, 10-year tax credit to help solidify the project.
“Businesses that want to move or expand are looking for sites that are prepped and ready to go, and that’s exactly what First Quality Tissue found in Defiance County,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “With hundreds of new jobs on the way, this project will have far-reaching impacts throughout northwest Ohio.”
A Welcome Addition to Ohio’s Manufacturing Legacy
First Quality Tissue Midwest is a part of the First Quality Group, a private company that manufactures hygiene, paper, and packaging products for healthcare, retail, and commercial sectors. Company representatives expressed their gratitude to Governor DeWine, Defiance County, JobsOhio, and local officials, emphasizing their excitement about becoming a part of the Defiance County community.
“Thanks to strategic initiatives like the All Ohio Future Fund, the Buckeye State is primed for business growth,” said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik. “First Quality Tissue’s investment will strengthen northwest Ohio’s economy, create jobs, and build on our state’s manufacturing legacy.”
JobsOhio and Local Partners Play Key Role
Several key state and local partners played a role in securing the First Quality Tissue project, including the Ohio Department of Development, JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership, Defiance County Economic Development, and the Defiance County Commissioners.
JobsOhio will provide additional assistance to the project, with details to be announced once a final agreement is in place.
“First Quality Tissue’s decision to locate its new production facility in Defiance County speaks to Ohio’s exceptional strength in manufacturing and the proven workforce in the region,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “The size and scope of this massive new plant reflect Ohio’s ability to support transformative manufacturing projects and create an environment where innovative companies can thrive.”
The Growing Impact of the All Ohio Future Fund
Governor DeWine first announced the All Ohio Future Fund during his 2023 State of the State Address, emphasizing the need for every region in Ohio to benefit from the state’s economic resurgence. Since 2019, 62 companies have expanded their operations in Ohio, creating over 21,000 new jobs, $1.9 billion in payroll, and $52.5 billion in new capital investment.
The Ohio General Assembly allocated $750 million to the All Ohio Future Fund in the current state budget. In addition to Defiance County, five other sites in Gallia, Guernsey, Pickaway, and Muskingum counties have received funding through the initiative.
Funding Infrastructure for Growth
The All Ohio Future Fund covers essential infrastructure costs, including:
- Roadwork improvements
- Water and wastewater infrastructure
- Design and engineering
- Demolition of existing structures
- Wetland mitigation
- Utility gap funding
- One-time site enhancements
Under the program’s guidelines, awardees must secure a site occupant within five years to ensure responsible development and long-term economic growth.
A Bright Future for Defiance County
With First Quality Tissue Midwest leading the way, Defiance County is set to experience a major economic transformation. The $984 million investment and 400 new jobs represent a milestone for the county’s workforce and manufacturing sector. Thanks to proactive planning and collaborative partnerships, Ohio continues to attract major employers, ensuring long-term prosperity for communities across the state.
