On May 11, 2022, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) approved a grant to Behr Process Corporation in the amount of $100,000 to assist with improvements to on-site rail infrastructure required to prepare a new project site for operations. Behr’s planned facility in Heath, Ohio contemplates the investment of approximately $80 million and the creation of approximately 90 new jobs over the next three years for the manufacturing and distribution of paint products. The existing rail infrastructure at the project site is not currently in a condition to service the planned operation.
Behr, a subsidiary of Masco Corporation, was founded in 1947 and is one of the largest manufacturers of paints, primers, decorative finishes, stains, surface preparation and application products for do-it-yourselfers and professionals in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Chile. The company is under contract to purchase approximately 50 acres in Heath to construct a state-of-the-art, modern manufacturing and distribution operation serving the Midwest region to meet the growing, long-term market demand for home improvement and construction supplies. Customer demand across the region provides Behr with a variety of potentially available locations for this project. Behr is assessing several factors that represent project priorities. Available infrastructure, particularly rail service, is a key project priority.
Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the ORDC, said, “It is always our goal to work with our local and state economic development partners to promote investment and employment opportunities in Ohio. The grant to Behr Process Corporation will provide the company with the necessary rail infrastructure to support its distribution and manufacturing processes. ORDC recognizes the investment Behr is making and we are proud to partner with them in this effort.”
ORDC assists Ohio companies and communities in creating and retaining jobs by preserving rail service to existing shippers and providing rail service to new customers. In addition, the ORDC funds projects to improve railroad-highway grade crossings to increase safety to the traveling public. Please remember, when around railroad tracks always expect a train. Rail lines in Ohio are private property and trespassing is both strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous.
For additional information regarding this project or for additional information on ORDC, please contact Wende Jourdan at (614) 728-9497