Ohio is entering a transformative period of economic momentum as major investments in semiconductors, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing and defense technology reshape the state’s economic landscape.
Over the past year, Ohio has continued to attract large-scale corporate investments while strengthening workforce pipelines, infrastructure and research partnerships that position the state as a premier destination for site selectors, corporate expansions and global investors.
With its central location, robust logistics network and deep manufacturing heritage, Ohio is leveraging its industrial foundation while expanding into next-generation industries including semiconductors, aerospace, electric mobility and advanced research. The result is a diversified economic strategy that is driving innovation, competitiveness and long-term growth.
Semiconductor Investment Positions Ohio as a Technology Hub
One of the most significant developments shaping Ohio’s economic trajectory is the emergence of a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem anchored by Intel’s major investment in New Albany, located in Licking County.
The project, often referred to as the “Silicon Heartland” initiative, represents an investment exceeding $28 billion for two advanced semiconductor fabrication plants. The campus spans nearly 1,000 acres and has the potential to support up to eight chip factories as the site expands over the coming decade.
The development is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs at Intel and approximately 7,000 construction jobs, while generating tens of thousands of additional positions across suppliers, contractors and service industries.
For Ohio’s economic development leaders, the semiconductor project represents far more than a single corporate investment. It is expected to catalyze an entire ecosystem of semiconductor suppliers, advanced manufacturing firms and research institutions across central Ohio, strengthening the state’s role in the national technology supply chain.
Electric Vehicle and Battery Manufacturing Accelerate
Ohio’s longstanding leadership in automotive manufacturing is evolving as the industry transitions toward electrification.
A major component of this shift is the Honda EV Hub, anchored by more than $1 billion in new investments from Honda Motor Co. across its Ohio manufacturing operations, including facilities in Marysville and Anna. These upgrades will allow Honda to produce electric vehicles, hybrids and traditional vehicles on the same assembly lines.
Complementing these upgrades is a $3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant being developed by Honda and LG Energy Solution in Fayette County. The project is expected to create approximately 2,200 jobs while producing advanced lithium-ion batteries for North American EV production.
Together, these investments are positioning Ohio as a major center for next-generation mobility technologies while strengthening the state’s long-standing automotive supply chain.
Defense and Aerospace Manufacturing Expands
Ohio is also attracting significant investment in defense and aerospace manufacturing, adding another strategic industry to its growing innovation economy.
In 2025, defense technology company Anduril Industries announced plans to build Arsenal-1, a hyperscale manufacturing facility near Columbus adjacent to Rickenbacker International Airport.
The 5-million-square-foot facility will manufacture autonomous defense systems and advanced sensors. It is expected to create 4,000 direct jobs, with an estimated 8,500 additional jobs generated through suppliers and supporting industries.
Meanwhile, northeast Ohio is strengthening its aerospace innovation ecosystem through the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense, a $62 million initiative expected to create up to 750 new jobs while supporting research and advanced manufacturing capabilities tied to national defense.
These developments are reinforcing Ohio’s role as a key player in the U.S. defense and aerospace supply chain.
Advanced Manufacturing Remains a Core Strength
While emerging industries are gaining momentum, Ohio continues to build on its long-standing manufacturing leadership.
In 2025, Whirlpool Corporation announced a $300 million expansion of its manufacturing operations in Clyde and Marion, creating between 448 and 600 new jobs while increasing production capacity for next-generation appliances.
Ohio ranks among the nation’s leading manufacturing states, supported by a workforce with deep expertise across automotive, aerospace, machinery, polymers, logistics and advanced materials.
New investments in electric mobility, robotics and advanced materials manufacturing are helping modernize the sector while maintaining Ohio’s industrial leadership.
Strengthening Innovation and Research Partnerships
Ohio’s economic development strategy is also centered on strengthening collaboration between industry, research institutions and government.
One example is a new Advanced Materials Science Lab created through collaboration between Honda and The Ohio State University. Located on the university’s SciTech campus, the research facility will explore technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, carbon capture and next-generation battery materials.
By expanding partnerships between universities and industry, Ohio is strengthening the research ecosystem that supports innovation across mobility, advanced manufacturing, energy technology and materials science.
A Strategic Approach to Business Attraction
Ohio’s ability to attract large-scale investments is supported by a coordinated statewide economic development strategy led by organizations such as JobsOhio and regional development partners.
The state’s recruitment strategy is focused on several key industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, advanced mobility and electric vehicles, aerospace and defense technologies, advanced manufacturing and robotics, and financial and professional services.
Ohio also benefits from its geographic position within a day’s drive of more than half of the U.S. population. Its highly developed logistics network of highways, rail lines and cargo airports gives companies strong access to domestic and global markets.
Combined with significant infrastructure investment and a labor force exceeding 5.5 million workers, the state continues to offer companies strong operational advantages.
A Competitive Future for Ohio
For site selectors and investors evaluating future expansion opportunities, Ohio presents a compelling combination of manufacturing expertise, emerging technology investment, research capacity and workforce development.
Major projects in semiconductors, electric vehicles, aerospace and advanced manufacturing are reshaping the state’s economic profile while generating thousands of high-skill jobs across multiple regions.
As global industries evolve around advanced computing, electrification and automation, Ohio is positioning itself at the intersection of traditional industrial strength and next-generation innovation. That approach is likely to define the state’s economic growth for decades to come.
