Target Industries

Manufacturing has more than 175 years of history in Butler County. By the 1850s there were textile, paper, and iron works being manufactured. In the early 1900s, Butler County’s county seat Hamilton had become a manufacturing center for vaults, safes, locomotives, railroad infrastructure, machine tools, and materials for World War I. Henry Ford traveled to Hamilton in 1916, and repurposed a dormant hydroelectric plant for about $200,000, and built a $2 million factory to manufacture Fordson tractors for the Ford Motor Company.

During World War II factories transitioned to produce military supplies such as tank turrets, Liberty ships, and submarine engines. Fast forward to today Butler County makes everything from high end products to support the automotive industry to corrugated boxes to flat rolled steel to almost any product you can imagine. 

Come to Butler County, Ohio and reap the benefits of manufacturing costs that are significantly lower than the national average, and take advantage of the third-largest manufacturing workforce in the United States.

A Leader in Flight, Space, and Advanced Air Mobility, Ohio is the birthplace of aviation and has a storied history in space exploration. As the No. 1 supplier to Boeing and Airbus and home to a long list of aerospace companies, Ohio is a powerhouse producer of systems and parts for the aerospace industry, leveraging innovation infrastructure and manufacturing know-how. 

GE Aerospace is a cornerstone of Butler County, Ohio, significantly contributing to the local economy and workforce. Located in West Chester, the company is one of the county's largest employers, providing high-paying jobs and fostering technological innovation. GE Aerospace’s presence has a ripple effect on the local economy, attracting ancillary businesses and boosting local services.

With multiple interstate highway (I-70, I-71, I-74, 1-75, and I-275) corridors running in, or our adjacent to us, Butler County companies have direct access to automotive companies throughout the Midwest and Southeast. Our region’s geographic location means automotive suppliers can reach 75% of North American auto production and 95% of U.S. and Canadian auto production within a one-day drive (1,000-KM radius). The automotive supply chain is projected to continue to grow, as new technologies such as electric and autonomous vehicles develop. With projected industry growth and ongoing demand for automotive manufacturers, our region is well-positioned to support new companies.

Strong presence of banking, insurance, legal, and healthcare industry leaders in Butler County creates an ideal location for businesses, offering administrative, accounting, and IT support services.

Healthcare and Life Sciences stand out as a targeted industry in Butler County, Ohio, owing to the region's robust infrastructure of medical facilities and cutting-edge advancements. The county boasts a network of hospitals, medical centers, and research institutions, providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents, and attracting patients from surrounding areas. Of particular note, is the state-of-the-art Children's Hospital, which offers specialized care and innovative treatments for pediatric patients. This concentration of medical expertise not only enhances the quality of life for local residents, but also positions Butler County as a regional healthcare hub, driving economic growth and opportunities in the Healthcare and Life Sciences sector.

Geographic location and a robust distribution and supply chain make Butler County a hub for logistics and transportation. In fact, CNBC named Ohio among the top 10 best states for business because of its infrastructure and logistics capabilities. The 2021 Tax Foundation “Location Matters” report has Ohio ranked #1 in effective tax rates for new distribution center firms. With a central geographic location close to customers and a multimodal statewide infrastructure, Butler County, Ohio makes reliable, efficient shipping possible.