As carefully as area farmers have cultivated their corn, Clyde has planted the foundation for business development in this north central Ohio community.

Well-located, affordable greenfield sites that offer skilled-labor and low utility rates are attractive to manufacturers seeking locations for expansion and relocation.

"We have ample land available for development," says Richard Dagg, director of Clydescope 2000, an independent, non-profit corporation created to assist the growth of existing and new companies in the area.

Industry at home in Clyde

"Both these projects are fully serviced and environmentally clean," says Dagg.

Additionally, 500 acres of privately-owned land is for sale which features direct highway access to U.S. Route 20.

The community already supports world-class companies like Woolin Products, Inc., which manufactures parts for the appliance industry using plastic blown molds and extrusion. Another mainstay is 30-year resident Progress Design, a high-technology designer and manufacturer of robotics for the automotive industry. Not to mention, Clyde is also home to Whirlpool Corporation's largest washing machine manufacturing plant.

Joining the community is Evergreen, a plastic extruder which manufactures banding for the packaging industry. Evergreen recently purchased a 75,000 square foot speculative building and will be in full production with 100 employees by January of 1999.

Multimodal Access

Two commercial air services are within 60 miles: the Toledo Express Airport and Cleveland's John Hopkins International Airport.

Companies will soon have access to the new Sandusky County Airport. Opening this fall, the airport's 5,500- foot, all weather runway will be able to accommodate corporate aircraft.

Utility Rates are A Bonus
Low utility rates are an additional reason businesses are finding success in Clyde.

"Our rates are 38 percent lower than any other utility rates in the area," Dagg says.

Clyde operates its own municipal power company that distributes electricity to the community.

Proximity to Lake Erie ensures that Clyde has ample water to support industry. There is a one billion gallon reservoir system and two 500,000 gallon towers. In 1996, the city completed a new water treatment plant capable of producing 2.4 million gallons per day.

"We are currently operating at 1.2 million," says Dagg. "There is plenty of room for growth."

Colleges, Universities and Technical Training
Area colleges, universities and technical schools provide a constant flow of skilled labor. The labor force in Sandusky County alone is nearly 33,000. Clyde residents and industries have access to Bowling Green State University/Firelands Campus, the University of Tiffin, Heidleburg College, and Terra Community College.

Terra offers one of the country's best programs in plastic processes and the only plastics coloring program in the world.

The Kern Center for Community and Industrial Development at Terra Community College provides customized training and workshops in many technical areas. Computer training includes instruction at all levels -- from basic desktop software to highly specialized robotics control. Support to small business and industry is available with apprentice training, employee skills testing, and procurement assistance.

Clyde offers a fresh start in a community that has the land and resources to facilitate