(The following story by Ed Richter appeared on the Journal News website on May 11, 2009.)
FRANKLIN, Ohio — While it’s usually understood that government works at deliberate speed in many instances, that was not the case with the development of the Franklin Yards Logistics Park.
About 100 local, state, federal officials and other regional business people attended the open house and dedication at the former IKO plant on Franklin’s south end on Monday, May 11.
The former 220,000 square-foot roofing plant has been transformed into a warehousing and rail transload facility in which businesses within a 50-mile radius can store and load or off-load while having their products and materials shipped via rail to any location in the nation.
“This is an important project because it involves a partnership, reuse and transportation,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville. “Everyone brought their resources to the table. Many times when governments work on things its unaccomplishable. It didn’t happen here.”
Turner pointed out that reusing the facility helps to maintain the fabric of the community and it also celebrated Ohio history in which businesses and manufacturers have found ways to ship their goods, products and materials to their customers such as using canals, highways and rail.
The public-private partnership, which recently was the first project to receive funding through the stimulus package’s logistics and distribution program. Last week, the State Controlling Board approved a $1.6 million forgivable loan funding package for the project. The project will create five construction jobs and 10 permanent jobs.
According to the state development department, the loan, which can be forgiven if specific terms are attained, will be used for capital equipment and facility renovations in support of the overall $2.3 million project.
Rod Good, whose family business is leasing the Franklin facility, praised the work of the local governments and the Warren County’s Economic Development Department.
Good’s family operates a similar facility in Camden that is already at full capacity.
Carl Bary, Franklin’s vice mayor, said the city purchased the former plant property and worked with Warren County to develop the project.
“This is local businesses and government working together,” he said. “We can make a difference when we work together.”
Martin Russell, Warren County’s deputy economic development director, said the county learned from a number of large prospective companies that there was a serious need for rail options to ship products, goods and materials.
City officials said the IKO plant is tied into Norfolk Southern Railway lines to ship products to the east and companies can also truck products to a sister facility in Camden where it ties into the railroad lines heading west.