A leading paper product manufacturer announced plans to open a new production facility in Northwest Ohio, a game-changing investment expected to provide significant benefits and growth opportunities for the small-town community.
First Quality Tissue, a family-owned business with headquarters in Great Neck, N.Y., will construct a 1.6 million square-foot building in Defiance County, Ohio. The $985 million project is expected to create at least 407 new jobs.
First Quality Tissue manufactures innovative, high-quality products manufactured utilizing state-of-the-art technology, employing more than 4,000 people at nine locations across two countries. Its full line for retailers, consumers and commercial industries includes adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, adult washcloths, and consumer paper products.
For Defiance, this groundbreaking development will mark the largest singular investment and job-creation project ever for the community. The company will locate its new facility at one of the county’s most prominent sites, the 1,000-acre Defiance Mega Site.
In July 2024, Governor Mike DeWine announced a $14.6 million award to the Defiance County Commissioners for installation of critical infrastructure at the Mega Site, with the intent of attracting major corporations looking for project-ready property. The award came through the All Ohio Future Fund, introduced by the Governor in his 2023 State of the State Address, and marks the first location in Ohio to receive such funding. The Fund was established with a historic $750 million investment to support local communities with site-readiness and preparation.
Many local, regional and state partners worked collaboratively in moving this pivotal project forward, including the State of Ohio, the Ohio Department of Development, JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership, Defiance County Economic Development and the Defiance County Commissioners.
Company officials expect groundbreaking to begin in the second quarter of this year.