By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Abbott Laboratories will bring 450 jobs to Bowling Green and $265,826 annually for 15 years to Bowling Green City Schools.
During a special meeting Thursday afternoon, Bowling Green City Council approved an agreement with the company for a 100% tax abatement for 15 years – with payments being made to BG Schools and Penta Career Center.
“This is a great day for Bowling Green,” Mayor Mike Aspacher said in announcing the selection of Bowling Green as the site for a $536 million Abbott Laboratories facility.
The plant will be built on the recently annexed property on the north edge of the city, in the southeast corner of Ohio 25 and Nims Road.
“Abbott’s investment brings industry diversification,” Aspacher said. “This is a strategic economic development approach that has served Bowling Green well for decades and the addition of Abbott will continue that legacy and community advancement.”
Abbott is a global company that designs and produces diagnostic and medical devices and powder nutritional supplements, according to David Topp, the senior director of the governmental affairs office with Abbott.
“We help people live more fully in all stages of life,” Topp said to people gathered to hear Thursday’s announcement.
The Bowling Green plant will produce speciality and metabolic formulas, nutritional products for people with extreme allergies and dietary restrictions. Ground will be broken in 2023, with construction expected to be completed in 2026. Production will begin in 2027.
“We’re grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received from Bowling Green,” Topp said.
The 450 jobs created will be “high quality” positions in finance, quality control, human resources, information technology and manufacturing, said John Koval, senior director of public affairs for Abbott.
Bowling Green was selected because of “strong partnership with the local community,” Koval said, plus the high quality infrastructure, good transportation system, and proximity of Bowling Green State University.
Bowling Green officials are hoping the investment by Abbott is just the beginning.
“We think this will drive a lot of additional development in our community,” said Bowling Green Economic Development Director Kati Thompson.
Aspacher said the additional jobs coming will push the city to resolve housing issues.
“This has increased our need to address the housing deficit in Bowling Green,” the mayor said.
Aspacher said helping the school district was a priority for the city.
“It was important to us that Abbott contributes to the schools,” he said.
Bowling Green City School Treasurer Cathy Schuller said the annual payments of $265,826 from Abbott will be the largest tax abatement payment for the district. School board members were present Thursday and welcomed the additional funding.
Locating the Abbott facility in Bowling Green is the result of many groups working together, including the governor’s office, JobsOhio, Regional Growth Partnership and city officials.
Aspacher credited the tenacity of Bowling Green Economic Development Director Kati Thompson and Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter for working to bring Abbott to Bowling Green.
“Bowling Green is the perfect place for this critical manufacturing facility to raise the capacity of formula production in the United States,” Thompson said. “Abbott’s investment in Northwest Ohio proves our region’s readiness to supply the healthcare industry with the skilled workforce, resources, and business environment that will allow this life-saving facility to thrive.”
