Wayne County Has a Multitude of Benefits to Propel Target Industries to Success
Wayne County, Ohio, supports industry by advocating for investment in research and development and by pursuing infrastructure investments that serve a diverse industry portfolio. Our strong supply chains, proximity and access to national and global markets, lower costs, beneficial tax structure and available workforce round out the formula for success that has catapulted Wooster/Wayne County to 7th-place for new project expansions in Site Selection Magazine’s Governor's Cup rankings.
‘Cool Stuff’ is Made Here
Wayne County's economy is built on a legacy of strength in manufacturing and innovative thinking. Our vibrant, international manufacturing community includes companies like Schaeffler Group, The J.M. Smucker Co, GOJO, Morton Salt, Wooster Brush, Daisy Brand, Artiflex, Purina and PepsiCo/Frito-Lay.
We have companies like Schaeffler Group making the components that go into manufacturing, and companies like ABS Materials are leading the development of an emerging technology sector. Wayne County’s food processing cluster includes industry leaders such as J.M. Smucker Co., PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, Morton Salt, Daisy Brand, Land O' Lakes/Purina, SmithFoods and Gerber Poultry.
But we’re just getting started. Wayne County’s economic foundation is primed for continued and expanded growth in various business sectors. Wayne County Economic Development Council is prepared to help you achieve success!
Wayne County Target Industries
Logistics, location advantages, infrastructure, lower costs and a content and skilled workforce make the difference for success in Wayne County. Within a one-day drive, 46 percent of the U.S. population can be accessed. Additionally, rail and air transportation access are second to none.
Target Industries
Advanced Manufacturing
With a legacy of industry, Wayne County is deeply rooted in manufacturing. Today’s manufacturers have built on this rich tradition to become leaders in the future of manufacturing technology.
At the Seaman Corporation, innovation is at their core, as they produce collapsible fuel tanks and tent materials for military and government applications, among other high-performance coated fabrics. With The Will-Burt Company’s Telescoping Masts and Tower Elevation solutions, emergency recovery operations and other job sites can turn night into day in under 14 seconds. It’s clear that manufacturers throughout the county value innovation, technology and productivity.
AgriBusiness/AgriScience
As one of the nation’s agricultural leaders, Wayne County is the top dairy-producing county in Ohio and it’s the state’s third largest agricultural economy. Known for its diversity, Wayne County farmers range from small family farms to large commodity operations; growing everything from field corn and soybeans to herbs and vegetables; and raising both traditional and nontraditional livestock.
In addition, Wayne County is home to the nation’s leading agbioscience research institution, The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The OARDC has directed its resources to advance knowledge and generate economic development opportunities for the people of Ohio and beyond by focusing on three signature areas of research excellence:
- Advance Bioenergy and Biobased Products
- Environmental Quality and Sustainability
- Food security, Production and Human Health
Construction
From residential to commercial, Wayne County offers numerous construction opportunities including creating, building and maintaining the homes, schools, hospitals, businesses and infrastructure that Wayne County relies on. As one of the top-growing industries in Wayne County, construction companies provide greater prosperity by being innovative, productive and efficient.
Construction crews range from single contractors to small crews to larger operations and include jobs from pouring the concrete base to installing the roof and everything in between.
Food Processing
Wayne County is home to a thriving group of food processing companies that provide food and beverage products nationwide. The area serves as the world headquarters of The J.M. Smucker Co. and is home to major food processors like PepsiCo, Daisy Brand and Smith Foods.
In addition, Wayne County is home to the largest and most comprehensive agricultural bioscience research and development center in the country, The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), part of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Healthcare
With a total population of 116,000+, healthcare continues to be a top-growing industry in Wayne County. Along with a strong network of ambulatory healthcare providers and nursing and residential care facilities, the local healthcare industry is anchored by three major providers:
- Wooster Community Hospital has received numerous awards, including Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals.
- The world-renowned Cleveland Clinic has several facilities within our community, including a family health, women’s health and specialty surgery center. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Hospital rankings, The Cleveland Clinic was named the top fourth best hospital in the country.
- Aultman Orrville Hospital, recognized for fast ER discharge times and one of the best maternity hospitals in 2022, is a subsidiary of Aultman Health Foundation and a close-to-home community hospital with access to advanced health care services.
Logistics and Transportation
Wayne County transportation and logistics companies keep products moving and offer exceptional customer experiences. With reputations to maintain, reliability, safety and on-time delivery are top of mind for these companies. There’s no over-promising and under-delivering here!
Maintenance is also key for the transportation industry, with many companies offering off-road opportunities too!
Metal Production & Fabrication
Sized, shaped, rolled, drawn and coated metals are produced by Wayne County’s extensive line of metal fabricators. By volume, Wayne County’s largest non-agricultural cluster is specialty metal and metal fabrication. The businesses making up this cluster can be found in all corners of the county, utilizing a wide variety of techniques and manufacturing processes to manipulate a multiplicity of metals and alloys.
Professional Services
Representing several top-growing industries in Ohio, professional service businesses continue to invest in Wayne County. Not only is there a strong demand for the wide variety of services, but Wayne County can also provide you with excellent educational opportunities, a low cost of living and a comfortable lifestyle.
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