Fremont seeks businesses for new industrial park

FREMONT — Local officials want businesses to make a home at a newly built multimillion-dollar industrial park this year. Known as the H.P. Young Industrial Park, it came at a total cost of $5.3 million, broken down with: • About $2.3 million coming from Fremont's government • The balance, roughly $3 million, through various state and funding sources. Officials envision the 60-acre park — located just north of Ohio 412 and the U.S. 20 bypass, west of County Road 198 — as a place to not only attract new businesses but also aid in retaining existing companies as well. Prior to the construction of this industrial park, officials said the city was missing out on businesses and good-paying jobs coming to Fremont due to a lack of space. Bob Gross, Fremont's economic development director, estimates that the industrial park could bring about 850 jobs. As far as what types of businesses could occupy the space, the city is looking at all avenues. "We want to know your plan, your project and if that's the right fit for Fremont," Gross said. "Currently, we don't have any businesses secured yet, but we have heard from over a half dozen prospective buyers asking about the park." The city has been working closely with Sandusky County commissioners, the Fremont Development Corp., the Sandusky County Economic Development Corp. and JobsOhio in an effort to generate leads. "(Our) motivation is to help meet the needs of the small businesses while showing our appreciation and support for what they bring to our community," Gross said. "The county organization goes to other communities around the county each month to offer these services." For businesses interested in receiving assistance from the program, people can enroll for a visit at sanduskycountyedc.net.