DEFIANCE — First Quality Tissue, a paper product manufacturer, is set to open a 1.6-million-square-foot production facility in Defiance County in 2025, a $985 million investment.
Erika Willitzer, executive director of Defiance County Economic Development, noted that this facility will bring 407 new jobs to the region over an eight-year ramp-up period.
The decision to expand to Defiance was largely influenced by existing infrastructure and the availability of a contiguous 1,000-acre mega site.
The site is conveniently located right off U.S. 24, adjacent to CSX’s mainline, and in close proximity to two transmission gas lines, Willitzer noted.
John Gibney, chief marketing officer at Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) in Toledo, said that having the First Quality facility is critical for Defiance, and that this location is within 60 percent of the U.S.-Canadian marketplace. This makes it an easier task for businesses to reach their customers.
Local officials and economic leaders worked extensively to attract First Quality Tissue to the area, including multiple site visits and a delegation trip to Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, where company representatives operate another facility.
“It is literally a team effort,” said Defiance County commissioner Dana Phipps. “Defiance County commissioners have worked with Defiance County Economic Development, Defiance City, Utility Partners and Regional Growth Partnerships/JobsOhio.”
Despite enthusiasm surrounding the project, officials acknowledged several challenges that nearly derailed negotiations.
“There were many times this project came to a boiling point, where we thought it wouldn’t be announced or the project would die,” Willitzer acknowledged. “It truly took the state and locals, along with First Quality, working together to come up with creative resolutions to issues that would arise.”
The company is in the process of purchasing land between Krouse and Whetstone roads, Phipps said. Truck traffic will enter via County Road 424 (formerly U.S. 24), while employee access will be from Krouse Rd.
Products that the First Quality Tissue will produce includes toilet paper, paper towels, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, adult washcloths, and consumer paper products, according to rgp.org.
The arrival of First Quality Tissue is expected to spur regional economic growth, with developers already expressing interest in building homes and businesses in the area.
“It’s going to be an economic boom!” Willitzer said. “Already, we are seeing housing developers coming in and other businesses wanting to establish themselves in Defiance County.”
Phipps said that several industries will benefit, from construction and excavation companies to restaurants and stores.
Additionally, more than 800 construction workers will be involved in building the facility, prompting local leaders to work with hotels, campgrounds and long-stay facilities to ensure adequate accommodations.
Defiance County commissioners agreed to participate in the Ohio Governor’s All Ohio Future Fund, committing $16 million to bring water and sewer infrastructure to the site. The county will take out a $7 million loan, with half forgivable upon meeting project benchmarks.
In addition, local schools have also agreed to a 100 percent tax abatement with school donations for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of First Quality’s build-out, Phipps said, as well as a substantial incentive package from the state.
“Locally, the Defiance County Commissioners are the biggest reason this project is happening,” Willitzer said.
Phipps added that this development will shape the region’s long-term growth.
“When a facility of this size comes to an area, others will follow,” Phipps said. “We have already been approached by others seeking opportunities.”
Gibney emphasized that it’s the perfect opportunity for the people of Northwest, Ohio, as well as for local graduates who want to get involved in the workforce.
“They’re trained, they’re educated and they’re willing to work hard,” Gibney said. “Northwest, Ohio has an outstanding workforce, and this work ethic that’s built in our DNA. You go to other parts of the country, you won’t find that.”
While an official groundbreaking date has not been announced, First Quality aims to begin construction this year, with expectations of hitting job creation targets ahead of schedule.
For more details, visit the First Quality Tissue project FAQ.
