Kimberly-Clark Plans New Facility in Warren, Ohio

News Summary

Kimberly-Clark Corporation has purchased 559 acres of land in Warren, Ohio, for a new facility focused on boosting the local economy. Although detailed plans are yet to be finalized, city officials and Kimberly-Clark representatives are engaged in discussions regarding infrastructure needs and the formation of a Joint Economic Development District. Local leaders anticipate that the site could yield an economic impact of over $150 million, contributing to job creation and community development as preparations move forward.

Kimberly-Clark Charts Course for New Facility in Warren, Ohio

In an exciting development for the local economy, Kimberly-Clark Corporation has set plans in motion for a significant new facility in Warren, Ohio. The company, known for its popular household products such as Huggies diapers, Kleenex tissues, and Scott toilet paper, made its move by purchasing an extensive 559 acres of former steel property located on Pine Avenue in December 2023.

Progress Report and Future Plans

As the new year unfolds, preparations for the facility appear to be on the horizon, although details remain somewhat elusive. A spokesperson from Kimberly-Clark indicated the necessity to confer with the board of directors to finalize plans for the site, with expectations that this meeting would take place in 2024. However, it remains uncertain if this meeting has occurred or if substantial plans have been established.

According to filings with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there have been no construction works or earth-moving activities at the site as of now. Nonetheless, positive signs are emerging, as noted by the Director of the Western Reserve Port Authority, who relayed that initial site work has been undertaken. The activities so far have included the installation of a perimeter fence and the use of dynamic compaction—a method aimed at compacting soil effectively to prepare the site for upcoming developments.

City Officials Keeping a Close Watch

The city of Warren, along with local stakeholders, is actively engaging in discussions regarding the project’s advancement. City officials, Kimberly-Clark representatives, and members of Howland Township have been meeting regularly to assess crucial infrastructure needs and pave the way for the establishment of a Joint Economic Development District (JEDD). Such districts are tailored toward boosting economic development, spurring job creation, and ultimately enhancing the economic welfare of local citizens.

Mayor Doug Franklin’s outlook on the facility’s progress remains positive; he has indicated that momentum should noticeably increase in the forthcoming months. The city is also proactively addressing potential flooding challenges along Pine Avenue, which could conceivably impact the timeline for the project. With enhanced flood mitigation strategies in the works, authorities aim to clear obstacles that could slow down development.

Anticipating Economic Impact

Despite the uncertainties surrounding specific timelines for operational status, projections regarding the economic benefits of the Kimberly-Clark facility are robust. Local leaders from both the public and private sectors are optimistic that the project could yield an economic impact exceeding $150 million for the region. Such a substantial investment holds promise for job creation and significant contributions to the community’s economic fabric.

As the local populace and stakeholders await updates from Kimberly-Clark, there is anticipation building around the anticipated final renderings of the facility. City officials expect to have these visual representations by the end of the month, signaling that plans remain on track, albeit cautiously progressing.

With no project number currently assigned, Kimberly-Clark is yet to provide concrete updates on the timeline for construction. However, community members and local leaders are hopeful that the collaborative efforts with the Western Reserve Port Authority and city officials will soon yield fruitful results, ultimately bringing the new facility to life and bolstering the local economy.

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Additional Resources

• WFMJ: Construction Still Pending at Kimberly-Clark Property in Warren
• Wikipedia: Kimberly-Clark
• WFMJ: Joint Economic Development District Planned for Kimberly-Clark Property in Warren
• Google Search: Joint Economic Development District
• Business Journal: Warren OKs Deal with Developer for $150M Transformational Project
• Google Scholar: Transformational Project
• WKBN: Premier Construction Firm Sets Up at Land Owned by Kimberly-Clark
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction