State projects will bring new jobs to area

COLUMBUS — Statewide economic development projects approved earlier this month include a major expansion for Kalmbach Feeds in Upper Sandusky and Carey, as well as a new Italian agri-food company in North Baltimore. The announcement was made by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik. The 17 projects will create 2,347 new jobs and retain 8,592 jobs statewide. During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. The projects are expected to result in more than $148 million in new payroll and generate over $1.1 billion in investments across Ohio. Kalmbach Feeds, Inc. expects to create 213 full-time-equivalent positions, generating more than $14 million in new annual payroll and retain $51,172,386 in existing payroll by Dec. 31, 2029 as a result of the company's expansion in Carey and Upper Sandusky. Kalmbach is a regional leader in the animal nutrition industry providing feed for general livestock, dairy, poultry, pets and equine. The project involves the construction of a new pet food manufacturing facility, including the purchase of new machinery, to expand the company's current operations and meet growing demand. The investment includes a new 100,000-square-foot warehouse in Crawford Township, in close proximity to the company's existing location in Upper Sandusky. North Baltimore will be home to the addition of La Linea Verde North America OP LLC, which plans to create 77 full-time-equivalent positions and generate $4 million in new annual payroll as a result of the company's new facility. La Linea Verde is an Italian agri-food company specializing in packaged salads, fresh ready meals, and cold-pressed juices. The project involves the addition of its first North American facility — in North Baltimore — focused on the production of fresh, ready-to-eat soups. Headquartered in Manerbio, Italy, La Linea Verde will invest $15 million to establish a 100,000-square-foot facility at Insley Road, off I-75. Production is expected to begin in the spring 2026. Company officials said the decision to expand in the U.S. arose from a combination of strategic and market factors, including wanting to bring production and distribution closer to the final customer and guaranteeing faster delivery, greater freshness and broader market coverage. The company operates eight production facilities located in Italy, Spain, France and Serbia, employing around 1,900 people.