Cooper to build technology center, hire 40 | Business

FINDLAY, OH (Toledo News Now) - Cooper Tire has chosen Findlay as the site of a new $40 million research and development facility.  The company had considered Findlay and locations in England and China for the project. It was a $2.8 million grant from the state of Ohio that persuaded the company to locate its global research and development arm in the buckeye state.

“Very encouraged by the fact that we have a great corporate partner in Cooper Tire that is willing to invest that amount of money in our people and in our infrastructure and our community,” said Findlay Mayor Lydia Mihalik. “We're just super excited that research and development can occur - global R&D can occur here in Northwest Ohio. I think it's great for the region, obviously wonderful for the Findlay and Hancock County communities specifically.”

The project will create 40 new jobs at Cooper.

“They're great jobs. They're ranging from engineers to scientists. They're good, high paying jobs that will help them remain competitive within the global market,” said Mayor Mihalik.

Mihalik says beyond the revenue from payroll and construction, the project signals Cooper’s desire to stay in Findlay.

“It's tough, given the environment in the economy to make tires, especially here in North America. So we're just happy that they're still living in Findlay and investing in Findlay and will continue to do so for many, many years,” said Mihalik.

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