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German Company Building Plant In Heath

Construction is underway in Heath on a German company's first U.S. factory. Xperion will build compressed natural gas tanks for use in cars and trucks, creating nearly 60 new jobs. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow reports.

State officials were in Heath Thursday to break ground on a German-based company’s first U.S. manufacturing facility. Xperion designs and creates tanks that store compressed natural gas, also known as CNG. Company officials say their tanks can be found in CNG vehicle models for manufacturers like Volkswagen.

Xperion says their arrival means another addition to the state’s expanding natural gas infrastructure.

Company officials say they’re bringing a facility to the U.S. in order to capitalize on the country’s strong energy market. Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor says Ohio was picked because of its business friendly environment; Xperion received a 7-year job creation tax credit from the state.

Taylor: “Xperion selected Ohio over every other state in the country. We are speaking the language of business we’re moving at the speed of business and because of that new opportunities will continue to come to Ohio and every city across our state.”

The plant, which is expected to open next year, will bring nearly 60 new jobs to the small central Ohio city of Heath with a $2 million payroll.

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.