Sheetz, 750 jobs coming to Findlay

Sheetz convenience stores reported Monday it will construct a $150 million food preparation-distribution center just north of Findlay. The company, based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, said it will create 750 jobs — at an average pay of $58,000 per year — over five years. Sheetz has been working closely with Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development, the Regional Growth Partnership and JobsOhio on the project. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority on Monday approved a 1.996%, 10-year payroll tax credit for Sheetz for the 750 jobs and $43.5 million in annual payroll it will create. If all 750 jobs are created, the tax credit would be worth about $8.1 million to Sheetz. That's in addition to $3 million in infrastructure the city of Findlay is providing. "Sheetz is thankful for the cooperation and support of all the local, county and state leaders who have helped make this project possible," said Sheetz President/CEO Travis Sheetz. "We're excited to bring new opportunities to the area, as we continue to expand throughout the state of Ohio and into Michigan in 2025. Findlay is located in the heart of this new growth area and will play a big role in the future of Sheetz." Construction of the building could start in 2024. Employees would be hired and the plant would be operating in 2025. The food production and distribution center would be located at the northeast corner of Township Road 99 and Distribution Drive, just north of County Road 212. It would be west and north of Lowe's Distribution Center, on County Road 212. It would be directly east across Distribution Drive from an American Electric Power substation; to the north and west of the proposed Sheetz site are a Findlay water tower and an Ohio Logistics building. "We are happy to have played a role in attracting this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact that Sheetz will have," said Dan Sheaffer, executive director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development. "The facility will bring more well-paying, quality jobs to the area by a family-owned company that is truly committed to community success." Findlay city government leaders also played an important part in attracting the company. Findlay City Council recently voted to spend $3 million for water, sewer and storm sewer infrastructure and road improvements to accommodate Sheetz. The city will be splitting the cost of $2.2 million in road improvements with the state. "The unanimous decision to support this project by City Council sends a strong signal that Findlay is proud of our business community and is willing to make investments to continue to set our community up as a premier place to do business," said Mayor Christina Muryn. "We are thrilled to welcome Sheetz to our community." "Ohio is a great place for a family-owned and operated business like Sheetz to grow and succeed," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. "Sheetz stores have been extremely well received in the Ohio communities where they've expanded, and this new, advanced facility will improve efficiencies for the company both here at home and throughout the Midwest while creating good-paying jobs in the Findlay area." Sheetz operates over 685 convenience restaurant stores in six states, including Ohio. The company employs more than 25,000 people. Sheetz has been continually recognized for creating a top workplace for employees and as a staunch community advocate. The company was founded in 1952. "Sheetz's decision to choose Ohio for its new food prep and distribution operation speaks to the state's strength in both the logistics and food and agribusiness sectors," said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio chief executive officer. "This investment attracts a strong Ohio presence from a rapidly growing brand."