The Dayton business climate has seen steady progress as more companies move into town and take root here. Below are some examples of recent successes. To read more stories, click here to access the archives.
He saw an opportunity and grabbed hold. Scott Reeve is an aerospace industry expert who came to Dayton to be part of the National Composite Center–pioneers in the new science of composite fiber/polymer materials. Scott believed that these durable yet light-weight construction materials could re-shape the future. That future is now. Scott´s ground-breaking new company, Composite Advantage, was among the first to graduate from the National Composite Center´s incubation class. With financial and site selection assistance from the City of Dayton and CityWide Development Corporation, Composite Advantage invested more than $1 million to relocate and expand its operation on Kiser Street in Dayton. As these next-generation products help re-define the changing marketplace, the number of skilled professionals working for the company is only expected to grow in the years ahead.
Why did he choose Dayton to launch his new business? "We like it here," Scott says. "There´s an abundance of advanced materials supplies, the labor pool is great, and we received all the help we needed to establish our niche!"
Technology collaborative IDCAST will rehabilitate laboratory space at 444 E. Second St. in downtown Dayton, converting temporary quarters into permanent research facilities and adding 45 jobs. IDCAST (the Institute for the Development and Commercialization of Advanced Sensor Technology) has been located in the 50,000-square-foot building since January of 2008, during construction of its headquarters at Dayton´s Tech Town technology business park. To accommodate a need for additional laboratory space and staff, IDCAST will improve the building´s roof, HVAC and electrical systems, and parking facilities. The rehabilitation is supported by a $240,000 grant from Montgomery County´s ED/GE program, facilitated by the City of Dayton. IDCAST brings together cutting-edge technologies, leading researchers and industry to develop sensor technologies and prepare them for commercialization. The University of Dayton Research Institute, the Air Force Research Laboratory, Ohio State University, and Qbase are among the participating partners.
Morning Pride, a leading manufacturer of firefighter safety equipment, will expand its Dayton headquarters and add 75 jobs over the next three years. The company will invest approximately $870,000 to build office and laboratory additions and make improvements to equipment and parking at 1 Innovation Court in north Dayton. The additional employees will join a full-time workforce of 377 and earn an average yearly salary of $36,000. Morning Pride manufactures firefighter protective equipment such as uniforms, gloves and helmets and is expanding its product lines to include equipment for police, paramedics, search and rescue and other first responders. The family-owned business was founded in 1921 as a dry goods store and became a stitched products maker, eventually specializing in firefighter safety equipment. The City of Dayton is supporting Morning Pride´s continued growth with a $200,000 grant ($150,000 from the Montgomery County ED/GE program and $50,000 from Dayton´s development fund). Morning Pride recently completed a $1,400,000 expansion of its Dayton production facilities.
BGH Studios, a high-tech marketing communications agency headquartered at 116 N. Jefferson St. in downtown Dayton, will invest $650,000 in technology, equipment and facility upgrades as it prepares for future growth. BGH specializes in audio, video and Web content production and will install two new video suites, an audio suite and a special effects studio at its current location. The investment will allow the company to retain 19 jobs and add 15 jobs with an average salary of $46,000 over the next three years. "BGH joins a growing list of firms specializing in creative services that have found a home in downtown Dayton," said City Manager Rashad Young. "These companies know that Dayton´s creative capital is extensive and that the urban environment is right for their work. "The City of Dayton is supporting the firm´s expansion with a grant of $125,000 from the City´s development fund and the Montgomery County ED/GE program.
Tax Centers of America will expand its corporate offices in Downtown Dayton´s One Dayton Centre building, adding 40 jobs to its existing workforce of 179. Tax Centers, a franchisor with 500 tax preparation offices across the country, will invest $600,000 in facilities, telecom infrastructure and equipment. The company will also open a new training center on One Dayton Center´s 14th floor. The five-year lease calls for occupancy of 15,414 square feet, with rights to occupy an additional 15,414 square feet. One Dayton Centre will commit approximately $235,000 to building improvements. The City of Dayton is supporting the expansion with a $100,000 grant from its development fund. The grant will be used for direct expenses related to facility improvements and equipment upgrades.
Send website to your friends or social network
| Subscribe to our RSS Feed 