COLUMBUS - Northwest Ohio will receive about $1.4 million in state grants to boost economic development and improve roads.
The largest grant of $500,000 will be awarded to Schindler Elevator Corp. of Springfield Township to buy equipment as the company consolidates operations and expand its office.
The Swiss company proposes to expand by adding 20,000 square feet to its 116,000-square-foot building in the township.
The city of Toledo will receive a $450,000 grant to build an access road south and west between Arlington Avenue and Research Drive to the University Advanced Technology Park, near the University of Toledo health science campus.
Charles River Laboratories Inc. in Spencerville in Allen County, which tests pharmaceuticals, will receive a $150,000 grant to purchase new machinery and equipment as part of its proposed 58,000 square foot expansion.
The city of Fremont will receive a $100,000 grant to upgrade Liberty and Milton streets with reinforced paving and storm sewers to support the expansion of Fremont Co., a family owned operation whose 300 employees make sauerkraut and sauces.
The village of Kalida in Putnam County will receive a $125,000 grant and Unverferth Manufacturing Co. Inc. will receive $15,000 grant to support the company's expansion.
Kalida plans to add a turn lane on U.S. 224 West near Unverferth, where it will build a 68,000-square-foot facility beside the current one.
The company's grant will buy equipment for the proposed facility.
Hirzel Canning Co. in Ottawa in Putnam County will receive a $30,000 grant for costs associated with the water and sanitary extensions to support the company's expansion.
The company employs 115 people nationwide with headquarters in Northwood.