Two alternative energy companies, Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems, Inc. and UltraCell Corp. of California, join GrafTech International, HydroGen Corp., Pemery Corp., ECD Ovonics and NexTech Materials in locating their businesses in Ohio.
Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems' U.S. headquarters will be located in Canton, Ohio and will be the first occupant of the Stark State College of Technology Prototyping Center, and UltraCell Corp. of California will be moving the first high-volume fuel cell production line to Dayton, Ohio.
"It is clear executives at alternative energy companies recognize the benefits of Ohio's business environment and the strong quality of life the state has to offer," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition.
In 2005, Ohio renewed the Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative, which helps expand financing, research, development, demonstration and training projects in the fuel cell industry. Ohio is one of the few places where all phases of fuel cell development takes place, from research and development to component suppliers and final product manufacturing, according to a statement by the Ohio Business Development Coalition.
The state's business reforms, such as no tax on investments in machinery and equipment and no tax on the first $1 million in gross receipts, are important considerations for alternative energy companies looking to maximize their return on investment, explains the coalition.
The Ohio Business Development Coalition is a nonprofit organization, funded with both private and public funds that provides the Ohio Department of Development, the state's regional economic development organizations and chambers qualified leads and tools to retain and expand Ohio companies, and attract new companies to Ohio.
Ohio Business Development Coalition
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