FINDLAY, Ohio (Feb. 21, 2013) — Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is working with the State of Ohio to add a global tech center in Findlay.
The tire maker announced that the State of Ohio—through the commissioners of the Ohio Third Frontier program—has approved $2.8 million in funding to support a Global Technology Center.
Cooper said the facility would be the company’s worldwide center for tire technology, advanced technology and innovation. It aims to put the Global Technical Center in Findlay within the same building where its North American Technical Center already exists. Cooper currently has two other regional technical centers located in Melksham, England, and Shanghai.
Although state approval for some funding is an important step, Cooper said the project must still be passed by the state Controlling Board. The total cost of the project will be approximately $40 million over five years and will create 40 jobs over the next three years, including engineers, scientists, researchers and more.
“Cooper Tire is excited about the Global Technology Center and this first step in receiving funding from the IRDC program to help support the project,” said Anne Roman, vice president, communications and public affairs for Cooper.
Ms. Roman said Cooper applied for funding from the Ohio Third Frontier’s Industrial Research and Development Center (IRDC) program. The commissioners approved $2.8 million to go toward the total cost of development.
The decision still needs to be approved for final confirmation by the Controlling Board, which is expected to occur within the next few weeks.
Source: Tire Business
