Research & Development (R&D) is one of Union County’s most important industry sectors. As manufacturers rely on R&D to develop the next generation of technologies, it is critical for our community to foster a productive and attractive environment for manufacturers by reversing off-shoring of technological services and supporting the co-location of manufacturing and innovation.

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Many of Union County’s major manufacturers bundle innovation and production activities locally or rely on other area businesses to provide R&D services. This has led to the formation of a growing R&D cluster in Union County over the last several years. In fact, Union County, namely due to Honda of America Mfg., Inc., is now among the top producers of patents in Central Ohio. Other companies such as Nestle Product Technology Center and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., also regularly pursue R&D activities.

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Union County hopes to continue to usher in a new era of advanced manufacturing by promoting entrepreneurial development and grassroots innovation, workforce development and infrastructure investment.