The Ohio Department of Development has announced the approval of 10 projects that will create 1,359 new jobs, retain 1,824 jobs statewide, and result in more than $2.2 billion in investments across Ohio.
During its monthly meeting on Oct. 26, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority reviewed economic development proposals from JobsOhio and its regional partners. Combined, the projects are expected to result in more than $142 million in new payroll.
Three of them will be located in Central Ohio.
A Minnesota-based company that specializes in data centers, power grid and electrical distribution in Columbus; and an orthopedics products care company plan in Westerville are among 10 statewide that have been awarded incentives by the state to locate here.
Forgent
Power Solutions announced Oct. 26 that is had selected the Arena District for a corporate office expansion that will create 85 jobs and $12 million in new annual payroll. The company will invest $3 million to build out its new office at 10 W. Nationwide Blvd. in Downtown Columbus.
Forgent’s existing Ohio team, including its Ohio-based CEO Gary Niederpruem, will occupy 90,000 square feet under a 10-year lease to support the company’s growth. The building, owned by Nationwide Realty Investors, will serve as a hub for customer support and serve project management and supply chain needs such as finance, human resources and corporate strategy.
“Forgent is scaling rapidly to meet growing demand for power infrastructure,” Niederpruem said in prepared remarks. “Columbus offers exceptional talent and proximity to key customers, making it an ideal location for our continued growth. As an Ohio native, I’m proud to invest in a city that will play an important role powering the future.”
Forgent employs approximately 3,000 people and operates 10 manufacturing campuses totaling more than 2 million square feet across North America. The company is expanding its workforce to support its growth. Forgent reported $1.42 billion in fiscal 2026 revenue, an increase of 89% from the previous year, and entered fiscal 2027 with a record $3 billion backlog.
“Forgent’s decision represents a major long-term commitment to Downtown Columbus,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “The company will bring a growing team into the Arena District, fill a significant amount of office space and create strong career opportunities. This investment will add daily activity to Downtown, support surrounding businesses and grow income tax revenues that we reinvest to benefit all Columbus residents.”
“Forgent is deepening Ohio’s position in the supply chain for the electrical infrastructure powering data centers, utilities and advanced manufacturing,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “This new Columbus operation will create high-value careers and build on the company’s existing Ohio presence — a strong foundation for Forgent to serve customers nationwide.”
The credit authority approved a 1.9%, 10-year job creation tax credit for the project.
Certus Medical LLC expects to create 45 full-time-equivalent positions, generating $7,310,000 in new annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2031, as a result of the company’s project in the city of Westerville. Certus Medical provides orthopedic products and services to hospitals and surgeons and operates a large, dependable distribution network for orthopedic products for feet and ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders. It also has a state-of-the-art cadaver lab designed to advance surgical education and hands-on training. Certus Medical is proposing to establish a new office location to primarily serve the growing clientele in the Midwest and East Coast. The credit authority approved a 1.7%, eight-year tax credit for the project.
The Indianapolis-based company expects to create 45 full-time-equivalent positions, generating $7.3 million in new annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2031, after it opens a new office in Westerville to serve the growing Midwest and East Coast markets.
The company provides orthopedic products and services to hospitals and surgeons through its distribution network for orthopedic products for feet and ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders.
The company also has a state-of-the-art cadaver lab designed to advance surgical education and hands-on training. The credit authority approved a 1.7%, 8-year tax credit for the project.
The credit authority also approved a 2.16% 30-year tax credit for the previously announced Bayer U.S. LLC project in New Albany that is expected to create 606 new positions and $69 million in new annual payroll by the end of 2034.Growth and development reporter Dean Narciso can be reached at dnarciso@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Company expansions to boost jobs in Arena District, Westerville
