On August 9, the Freeport Press announced the addition of a new, specialized printing press at a special reception. The new printing press enables Harrison County’s largest employer, Freeport Press to retain 150 jobs and add another 40 jobs over the next seven years. Both Governor Ted Strickland and Congressman Zack Space attended the event, which celebrated economic progress in the region.
“We are working every day to help businesses create new opportunities and new jobs in Ohio. In recent months we’ve seen job growth in Ohio again because in recent years we’ve been investing in growing Ohio industries and jobs that can’t be outsourced,” Strickland said. “The Freeport Press is already the largest private employer in Harrison County, and the addition of another state-of-the-art printing press is expected to create 40 new jobs. We’re proud to have provided a loan to help make this new equipment purchase possible.”
Congressman Zack Space adds “Being creative, innovative, and industrious is critical to bringing jobs to our region — and Freeport Press has shown those qualities impressively. They’ve been aggressive in making new investments and they’ve had the ingenuity and smarts to capitalize on emerging trends in the publishing industry. Working with Freeport Press has been a joy – and our joint effort to bring new jobs to Harrison County represents a perfect partnership between business and government.”
Financing for the project was made possible by Finance Fund, which provided $6 million in New Markets Tax Credits by partnering with the Ohio Department of Development and PNC bank.
“The Freeport Press plays an important role in the region’s economic vitality,” said James R. Klein, CEO of Finance Fund. “By connecting Freeport Press to necessary funding, we are helping to sustain its growth and provide additional opportunities for employment to the residents of Harrison County.”
According to Freeport Press CEO and Owner, David Pilcher, the printing press will enable the company to expand the clients its serves beyond the region.
“This new state-of-the-art printing press enables the Freeport Press to better serve its existing clients while creating a wonderful opportunity to grow the business,” Pilcher said. “It also ensures job stability for our valued employees and their families.”
Tags: Columbus, Finance Fund, Harrison County, New Markets Tax Credits, Ohio, Ohio Department of Development, Ohio economic development, Ohio Government, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, U.S. Congressman Zack Space
