Businesses have many opportunities to grow and thrive in Licking County, Ohio. The availability of shovel-ready sites, industrial buildings, and exemplary infrastructure makes Licking County a desirable location for a diverse range of industries, from corporate headquarters to aerospace and defense. With an educational focus on STEM-based careers and a growing population, the local skilled workforce is prepared to support the advancement of current and future Licking County businesses.
Shovel-Ready Sites
Licking County is home to many shovel-ready sites. With nine industrial parks, companies have many options when looking to locate or expand a business. GROW Licking County’s property search database allows site selectors to view an up-to-date list of strategic sites and available buildings. With sites ranging from three acres to over 100 acres, as well as existing buildings and build-to-suit options, companies have a variety of options when locating in Licking County.
Located in the center of the Columbus Region, Licking County is a day’s drive from 60% of the U.S. population. This convenient location has led to Licking County becoming a major manufacturing and logistics hub. The extensive local infrastructure makes transporting people and products simple and cost-effective.
Transportation
Lack of access to reliable transportation is often a barrier to employment for many individuals in the workforce. In 2023, Licking County Transit launched a deviated-fixed route bus service to improve mobility throughout the community. The pilot program currently runs three routes with the option to schedule a ride through their demand response. This growing service provides crucial support to the local workforce, as well as employee retention for employers.
Headquarters
Many well-known businesses are headquartered in Licking County including Park National Bank and Englefield Oil. These companies have been able to expand their operations, both locally and regionally.
Most job growth in a community comes from the expansion of its existing business. GROW Licking County has a strong business retention and expansion program, which helps foster the growth of existing companies.
Aerospace & Defense
Licking County has a long history of innovations and technology advancements related to aerospace and defense. The Central Ohio Aerospace and Technology Center was originally home to the Newark Air Force Base. The Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority took ownership of the 900,000 sq. ft. former Air Force base in October 1996. Today, the original base hosts 23 employers including The Boeing Company, Bionetics, AFMETCAL, and Bionetics Defense Engineering Services Group.
The Boeing Guidance Repair Center provides essential support services to military aircraft and missile systems used all over the world. The center’s skilled workforce and unique technical capabilities, including underground labs and seismic stability, cannot be replicated anywhere else.
To learn more about what Licking County has to offer, visit growlickingcounty.org.
