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(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Tax Credit Authority
today approved a recommendation by the Ohio Development Services
Agency to terminate the Job Creation and Retention Tax Credit
agreements with General Motors following the company’s decision to
close its Lordstown assembly facility.
General Motors will be required to invest $12 million in the
Mahoning Valley by the end of 2022, and refund $28 million in tax
credits. In 2008, the company entered into Job Creation and
Retention Tax Credit agreements which resulted in the issuance of
$60.3 million in tax credits.
“GM has been a major employer in the state of Ohio for decades,
investing in both the economy and our workforce. While the decision
to close the Lordstown plant was terrible news for workers and their
families in the Mahoning Valley, today’s announcement will bring
relief as well as investment by GM who has committed to investing
$12 million in the local community for workforce, education, and
infrastructure needs,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “GM has also
committed to returning $28 million to the state for the job creation
and retention credits they were awarded. GM remains involved in auto
production in Lordstown to produce batteries for electric vehicles
which is also good news for the future of the automotive industry.”
“Ohio has a long and proud history with General Motors,” said Lt.
Governor Jon Husted. “When I spoke with GM on Friday to confirm
their commitment to Ohio, I emphasized our desire for Ohio to be the
place where they invest in their future and that we would be a
reliable partner in providing the workforce and business environment
they will need to compete and succeed.”
General Motors was approved for a Job Retention Tax Credit in
exchange for a commitment to retain 3,700 employees in Lordstown.
The company did not maintain its commitment to retain the jobs
through 2028.
GM also received a Job Creation Tax Credit to create 200 new jobs at
the Lordstown facility by 2010. The company exceeded its commitment
by creating more than 800 jobs but did not maintain operations at
the facility through 2037 as required by the agreement.
“Today’s action protects taxpayer dollars, while also allowing for
continued investment in the local community,” said Lydia Mihalik,
Director of Development and Chair of the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.
“Our team at Development is committed to ensuring taxpayers get a
good return on their investments, supporting Ohio businesses, and
strengthening communities across the state.”
General Motors has other state incentives for its operations in
Toledo and Defiance. The company is currently compliant with those
agreements. Following today’s decision by the Ohio Tax Credit
Authority, the issue will now be turned over to the Ohio Department
of Taxation per the Ohio Revised Code. |
