New Jobs Coming to Former Timken Site
For Immediate Release
June 1, 2015
Contact:
Tyneisha Harden, Mayor’s Office, 645-2425
Cynthia J. Rickman, 645-8795
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
New Jobs Coming to Former Timken Site
A national leader in the manufacturing and distribution
of high quality strength and conditioning equipment plans to bring nearly 400
jobs to the Milo-Grogan neighborhood. Rogue Fitness will build its new
corporate headquarters for all of its North American operations at the former
Timken Plant at 1047 Cleveland Avenue, and create 90 new full-time jobs and
retain and relocate 337 full-time jobs to the new site.
“We have worked for several years to find a new tenant
for the former Timken site,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “Rogue Fitness will
be a great addition to the Milo-Grogan neighborhood, providing new jobs for our
residents and helping encourage further development in the area.”
The new facility will include office space for
administration in addition to housing the manufacturing and distribution
operations. Rogue manufactures weightlifting bars, plates, racks and
other related equipment for personal gyms and professional sports teams.
The company’s growth comes from the popularity of CrossFit, where it is the
leading provider of gear and equipment.
Rogue will invest more than $36 million on construction
and equipment for the new facility. The City of Columbus is recommending a 60%,
6-year Job Creation Tax Credit and an Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement of 75% for
10 years.
“The Timken site was once an economic engine for the city
that employed thousands of people,” said Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair
of the Development Committee. “Rogue Fitness is going to revitalize
this brownfield and contribute to a new chapter of growth for the Milo-Grogan
neighborhood.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2015.
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