Governor DeWine Announces Largest Singular Investment in Defiance County History

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik and JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef today announced that First Quality Tissue, a leading manufacturer of hygiene, paper, and packaging products, will build a new ultra-premium towel and tissue production facility in Defiance, marking the largest singular investment and job-creation project in Defiance County history.

First Quality Tissue Midwest, LLC will invest $984 million in the project and has committed to create more than 400 new jobs and $22.5 million in new annual payroll by 2032.

The new 1.6 million square-foot facility will be located on a 1,000-acre site at the Baltimore Avenue Industrial Corridor, which was the first location primed for future economic development with support from the All Ohio Future Fund. Last year, Governor DeWine awarded $14.6 million from the fund to install critical infrastructure on the property to attract major corporations in need of project-ready property.

“The All-Ohio Future Fund was established to attract and support projects just like this in which an established company like First Quality Tissue is prepared to hit the ground running and make a significant investment in jobs and capital in our state. Attracting more than 400 new jobs to a site in Defiance that is already prepared for development is a win-win for Ohio, Defiance County and First Quality Tissue.”– Mike DeWine, Ohio Governor

“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. With hundreds of new jobs on the way, this project will have far-reaching impacts throughout Northwest Ohio”– Jim Tressel, Lieutenant Governor of Ohio

Ohio was competing with several other states to win the facility. During its monthly meeting today, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.740 percent, 10-year tax credit for the project.

“Thanks to strategic initiatives like the All Ohio Future Fund, the Buckeye State is primed for business growth. First Quality Tissue’s investment will strengthen Northwest Ohio’s economy, create jobs and build on our state’s manufacturing legacy.”– Lydia Mihalik, Ohio Department of Development Director

First Quality Tissue Midwest, LLC is a member of the First Quality Group of companies; a closely held, diversified group of companies manufacturing, selling and distributing branded and private label absorbent hygiene, paper and packaging products into the healthcare, retail, and commercial channels. For more information, please visit www.firstquality.com.

Company officials thanked DeWine, Defiance County, JobsOhio, and all of the local and state government officials for welcoming them into the community. The company further stated that it looks forward to establishing its new home in Defiance County and becoming a productive member of the community.

Many state, local, and regional partners worked collaboratively to bring First Quality Tissue to Ohio including the Ohio Department of Development, JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership, Defiance County Economic Development, and the Defiance County Commissioners. JobsOhio plans to provide assistance to the project, which will be shared after a final agreement is executed.

“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. The size and scope of this massive new plant reflects Ohio’s ability to support transformative manufacturing projects and an environment where innovative companies can thrive.”–  J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO Governor DeWine first announced plans for the All Ohio Future Fund during his State of the State Address in 2023, stressing the importance of ensuring that every region of the state prospers from Ohio’s current economic revival. Since 2019, 62 companies from the East and West coasts have expanded their businesses in Ohio, creating more than 21,000 new jobs, $1.9 billion in payroll and $52.5 billion in new capital investment.

In total, the Ohio General Assembly provided $750 million for the All Ohio Future Fund in the current operating budget. Five other All Ohio Future Fund sites were announced earlier this month in Gallia, Guernsey, Pickaway, and Muskingum counties.

Eligible costs under the program include public roadwork, water and wastewater infrastructure, design and engineering, demolition, wetland mitigation, utility gap funding, and one-time site enhancements. Program guidelines stipulate that awardees must secure site occupants within five years. Additional program information is available at development.ohio.gov/AllOhioFutureFund.