Economic activity in Medina County higher than this time last year

MEDINA — Economic development activity throughout Medina County has accelerated so far in 2026, according to the Medina County Economic Development Corporation. Medina County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Bethany Dentler updated the commissioners on the county's economy during its meeting Tuesday. Commercial and industrial property owners have committed more than $215 million in new capital investment, which includes machinery, equipment, real property and property improvements, Dentler said. The total is nearly double what the economic development corporation reported at this point last year. "With more than $27 million in new annual payroll, these committed projects are expected to create 360 new jobs in Medina County, which is 43 percent higher than the mid-2025 total," she said. Manufacturing continues to hold a large share of Medina County's economy, Dentler said. A recent survey reported that Medina County has about 300 manufacturers that employ more than 9,000 people and had about 800 job openings late last year. "Manufacturing represents about 15 percent of our county jobs, but it drives an estimated 45 percent of the county's economy," she said. "Fifty-seven percent of the surveyed manufacturers reported revenue growth of at least 5 percent last year, but they also reported worker shortages, retirement pressure and continued uncertainty." Dentler described the manufacturing industry as "capacity constrained" and said the business climate is positive overall but still has warning signs. "Shiloh Industries has announced the phased closure of its Valley City operation," she said. "It affects 43 workers beginning Aug. 30. Our OhioMeansJobs office is connecting those employees with companies that are still hiring in the area." Medina County has very low unemployment. Dentler said the most recent data from May shows that the county has a 2.7 percent unemployment rate, which is 1 percent lower than it was in May 2025. "Companies are still investing, as you've heard, but many are being deliberate about the timing," she said. "We're also seeing a lot of focus on automation, and all of that makes our work on infrastructure financing, workforce and regulatory coordination particularly important." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.