DeWine's office said the new 1.6 million-square-foot facility will create more than 400 new jobs and generate $22.5 million in new annual payroll by 2032. The plant will be located on a 1,000-acre site in the Baltimore Avenue Industrial Corridor, which state leaders said was prepared for development with the help of the All Ohio Future Fund, a program designed to attract major economic investments.

"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," DeWine said. "Ohio's work to proactively prepare this Defiance County site is a win-win for Ohio, Defiance County, and First Quality Tissue."

"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," Tressel said. "With hundreds of new jobs on the way, this project will have far-reaching impacts throughout Northwest Ohio."

The decision to build the facility in Defiance was made after Ohio competed with several other states for the project. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.740%, 10-year tax credit to help secure the investment.

"Thanks to strategic initiatives like the All Ohio Future Fund, the Buckeye State is primed for business growth," Mihalik said. "First Quality Tissue's investment will strengthen northwest Ohio's economy, create jobs, and build on our state's manufacturing legacy."

First Quality Tissue, part of the First Quality Group, manufactures a range of absorbent hygiene, paper and packaging products sold in the healthcare, retail and commercial sectors. Company officials expressed appreciation to DeWine, local leaders, and state and regional partners for their support.

First Quality Tissue Midwest is a member of the First Quality Group of companies; a closely held, diversified group of companies that manufacture, sell, and distribute branded and private-label absorbent hygiene, paper, and packaging products into the healthcare, retail, and commercial channels. Company officials thanked Governor 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 announced 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," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "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."

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.