First Quality Tissue, a leading manufacturer of hygiene and paper products, is set to build a $984 million production facility in Defiance, Ohio, marking the largest economic investment in Defiance County’s history. The facility, spanning 1.6 million square feet on a 1,000-acre site in the Baltimore Avenue Industrial Corridor, is expected to create over 400 jobs with an annual payroll of $22.5 million by 2032.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and other state officials highlighted the project’s significance, emphasizing Ohio’s economic competitiveness. The state secured the project over other competing states, aided by a 10-year, 1.74% tax credit from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority. The All Ohio Future Fund, which had previously invested $14.6 million into infrastructure at the site, played a key role in attracting the company.
Defiance County Economic Development Executive Director commented on her social media page, “While we still have approvals needed, we couldn’t have gotten this far without the landowners and local, regional, and state leaders. This is collaboration at its highest level. We’re beyond excited to help First Quality make Defiance County their newest home and thrilled to see what the future holds.”
JobsOhio and other economic development agencies collaborated to facilitate the deal, reinforcing Ohio’s manufacturing strength. The initiative aligns with Governor DeWine’s broader economic strategy, which has attracted numerous businesses and created over 21,000 jobs statewide since 2019.
