A major economic development announcement has been made in West Liberty after months of work at the local and state levels.
Spanish manufacturer Vicente Torns has announced plans to establish its first U.S. operation in Logan County, bringing new investment and job opportunities to the community.
The project is also receiving support from the state through a Job Creation Tax Credit.
Vicente Torns is among 13 projects approved by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, with the statewide projects expected to create more than 3,500 new jobs and bring more than $1.1 billion in investment.
The company is expected to create 108 full-time jobs, generating more than $7.1 million in new annual payroll by the end of 2030.
Vicente Torns is a third-generation, family-owned company with more than 100 years of operating history.
The company manufactures copper and aluminum cables and wires used in the energy, automotive, and transportation industries.
As part of the project, Vicente Torns plans to acquire an existing building in West Liberty, renovate and expand it, and add new equipment.
The expansion will allow the company to manufacture conductors used in electric transformers.
The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.427-percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.
Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the approvals Monday.
Statewide, the 13 projects are expected to create 3,553 new jobs, retain another 907 jobs, and generate nearly $310 million in new payroll.
The projects span several industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, defense, technology, and engineering.
Here are the details in the official announcement:
“Vicente Torns Ohio Corp., an international manufacturer of copper and aluminum cables and wires, will establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in West Liberty. The company will invest $21 million at 600 N. Detroit St. and create 108 new jobs representing $7.1 million in new annual payroll.
The West Liberty operation will produce copper and aluminum wires used in electric transformers. The project will establish a U.S. manufacturing base for Vicente Torns as the company expands its presence in North America and serves growing demand from the energy industry.
“Establishing our first manufacturing operation in the United States marks an important step in the continued growth of Vicente Torns. Within four years, we expect the U.S. market to account for 15 percent of the group’s total revenue,” said Vicente Torns, CEO of Vicente Torns. “West Liberty provides a strong foundation to serve our customers, build a skilled local workforce and expand our production capabilities in North America. We appreciate the partnership and support that helped bring this investment to the Columbus Region.”
With more than 100 years of manufacturing experience, Vicente Torns operates facilities in Spain, Slovakia, Italy, Morocco, India and France. The company serves customers across different sectors, especially is energy, particularly transformers, high-voltage motors, and generators, and, to a lesser extent, electric vehicles and railways.
“Vicente Torns’ decision to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in West Liberty is a major vote of confidence in our community and our workforce,” said West Liberty Mayor Brad Hudson. “This investment will create more than 100 jobs and bring a respected international manufacturer with more than a century of experience to Logan County. We look forward to supporting the company’s success here.”
Pending local approval, the project represents a significant foreign direct investment in the Columbus Region and adds to the Region’s growing base of international manufacturers. Vicente Torns’ selection of West Liberty also creates new manufacturing capacity supporting equipment essential to the nation’s electric infrastructure.
“The Columbus Region has become a strong entry point for global manufacturers establishing U.S. operations,” said Jonas Peterson, chief economic development officer and president of One Columbus. “Our central location provides efficient access to major North American markets. Our manufacturing base connects companies with experienced workers and established industrial partners. Communities such as West Liberty offer the capacity and support needed for long-term growth. Vicente Torns’ decision reflects the strength of that regional proposition.”
Vicente Torns selected Logan County for its first U.S. manufacturing operation as rising energy demand drives greater need for the copper and aluminum wire used in electric transformers. The decision reflects the strength of the area’s manufacturing workforce and the Columbus Region’s strategic access to customers across North America.
“Ohio continues to win global manufacturers because we deliver what they actually need: access to customers, resilient supply chains, and the ability to scale fast from the center of the North American market,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “Vicente Torns’ investment is proof our strategy to attract global companies critical to the nation’s energy infrastructure is working.”
