GALLIA COUNTY, Ohio — A new industrial development aimed at attracting jobs and investment is coming to Gallia County, according to a joint announcement from state and local officials.
Plans call for a $6.1 million speculative building at the Dan Evans Industrial Park. The project will include construction of a 50,000-square-foot facility designed for manufacturing, warehousing, and light industrial use, with the ability to expand up to 250,000 square feet.
Construction is expected to begin this spring, with completion projected in early 2027. The building will be available for lease or purchase once finished.
Officials say the project is intended to strengthen economic development efforts in southeastern Ohio.
“The spec building at Dan Evans Industrial Park will be a vital driver of business expansion and job creation in Gallia County,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “Investing in the site alongside state and local partners empowers Southeast Ohio to further build on its manufacturing legacy, with new companies having the opportunity to quickly utilize an exceptional speculative building upon completion.”
The development is being supported through a combination of state and local funding, including a $2 million JobsOhio grant and an additional $1 million from the All Ohio Future Fund to assist with site preparation, roadwork, and utilities.
Local leaders say the project addresses a long-standing gap in available industrial space.
“For many years Gallia County has not possessed available square footage suitable to attract industrial investment,” said Taylor Stepp, the Gallia County Economic Development Director. “This spec building will add much needed industrial inventory to land a new industrial park tenant, which will yield new jobs and investment for Gallia County. We are thankful for the investment that CIC of Gallia County, JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Development have made into Gallia County.”
Officials say the site’s location — less than a mile from U.S. 35 and within a day’s drive of a majority of the U.S. population — makes it attractive for potential tenants.
State leaders say projects like this are part of a broader strategy to drive economic growth.
“Ohio’s economic momentum isn’t happening by chance. It’s the result of intentional investments in our people, our places, and our undeniable potential,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “By building this spec site, our partners in Gallia County are positioning themselves for future growth. They’re not waiting for their opportunity — they’re taking it — and that’s exactly why we created the All Ohio Future Fund.”
County commissioners also voiced support for the project.
“Bringing new, well-paying jobs to Gallia County is a top priority for the Commission and this project will help do just that,” the Gallia County Commissioners said in a joint statement. “We look forward to supporting the eventual tenant of the spec building as they invest in Gallia County.”
Officials say the project is expected to help attract new business to the region and support long-term economic growth.