Bill > HB159

This bill establishes the Manufacturing Technologies Assistance Grant Program within the Ohio Department of Development to support small and mid-sized manufacturers in the state. The program will provide grants up to $150,000 to eligible manufacturers (defined as companies with 500 or fewer full-time employees in the manufacturing sector) to fund projects that increase productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness through investments in industrial infrastructure like machinery, robotics, hardware, software, and related training. Applicants must have operated in Ohio for at least three years, derive at least 51% of revenue from manufactured goods, demonstrate an ability to provide matching funds, and have no outstanding state liabilities. The grant application process involves an assessment by the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, with preference given to projects that will be implemented immediately, involve new manufacturing technologies, and show clear potential to improve operational performance. The program will reserve half of its funds for manufacturers with 50 or fewer employees and half for those with 51-500 employees. Recipients must maintain detailed records, submit a project completion report, and notify the state of any significant business changes in the following ten years, with potential repayment requirements if certain conditions are not met. The bill also appropriates $24 million over two fiscal years to fund the program.

Business and Industry

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb159