HILLIARD, Ohio – City Council recently approved four pieces of legislation that pave the way for new “flex tech” uses at two sites in Hilliard – action that will result in the retention of at least 355 jobs and the creation of at least 60 new positions at EcoPlumbers, one of Hilliard’s largest employers.
The resulting flex tech buildings also create significant space for other future businesses to locate or expand in Hilliard.
“This legislation will help keep Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians in the City,” said David Meadows, City of Hilliard Economic Development Director. “It will help retain existing jobs and add at least 60 new jobs in our community.”
Council’s first legislation modified the concept plan for 19-plus acres of land east of Britton Parkway to allow “flex employment” uses on property previously approved for retail and office buildings. The owner, EQ Britton Flex LLC, plans to build a $29 million, 158,000-square foot flex industrial building on the property.
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians will be the building’s anchor tenant, but nearly 100,000 square feet of additional space will be available for other businesses. That would result in more jobs in the community and additional tax revenues to the City, Meadows said.
Council also approved a 50%, 12-year property tax abatement to EQ Britton Flex to construct the industrial building, along with an agreement to pay 20% of EcoPlumbers’ withholding taxes from the 60 new Eco Plumbers jobs back to the company.
“These projects are a win-win for our local business community and our residents,” Meadows said. “Revenues from local employers fund every service that ensures a high quality of life in the City of Hilliard, from the police who keep our neighborhoods safe to the parks where our children play.”
Meadows said these kinds of incentives are commonly used by municipalities to help employers stay and grow within a community.
“Everyone benefits,” Meadows said. “The net revenue to the City from the new jobs will be an estimated $3.1 million over the seven-year agreement, and Hilliard remains an attractive home for one of our most valuable employers.”
Meadows said these developments are a direct result of the Hilliard City Lab initiative which is establishing Hilliard as a destination for attracting tech companies and the investment to the City. Through City Lab, technology companies can leverage City resources to create, test, and launch solutions. In return, the goal is that Hilliard will benefit from the attraction, retention, and expansion of technology businesses, along with the creation of high-paying jobs.
“We have the people, resources, and infrastructure to foster this technology-based growth, and companies big and small are taking notice,” he said.
In addition to the legislation paving the way for the Britton Flex development, Council also approved a resolution approving a 15-year, 75% Community Reinvestment Area tax abatement on the Edwards Farms Innovation Center, which also will be home to flex industrial buildings that could house a variety of commercial uses, specifically targeting creative and advanced technology companies.
The owner, EFIC Partners, will invest approximately $23.7 million into the project by November 2025. This will result in the creation of 260 new jobs with an eventual $18.2 million payroll.
“The City of Hilliard has packaged these benefits to align with its goal of attracting technology-based employment and expanding partnerships to improve the pipeline of talent and development of in-demand skills for our employers,” Meadows said.
