Huron County, Ohio Named #17 Top Micropolitan within the United States, showcasing strong business investment and staying in the Top 20 for second year in a row

Huron County continues to see strong business investment through existing and new businesses within our region. With just 60,000 residents, Huron County saw 9 total business investment projects that qualified the region to place in the Top 20 Micropolitan, according to Site Selection Magazine. Every year, Site Selection Magazine ranks the Top 100 Micropolitan based on number of qualifying business investment projects. For 2025, Huron County tied for #17 within the United States, again showing the strength of private investment and GDP growth.

None of these projects would have come to fruition without the dedication of local leadership – truly showcasing what a successful Public-Private Partnership can look like. From municipal staff to corporate leaders and elected officials, leaders are rowing in the same direction to bring the right tools to the right projects for Huron County.

PROJECTS

In 2025, Huron County saw a total of $29,869,407 in total capital investment – which means businesses investing in their companies through warehouse or manufacturing expansions, machinery & equipment upgrades, and/or adding new jobs. The county saw 110 new jobs added, and over 1,000 were retained.

While the county’s ranking went from #7 to #17, Huron County actually had an increase in total number of projects for 2025 (up one from 2024). This showcases how competitive the bid for economic development projects really is, especially within the Central Ohio region and why public and private partners must continue to seek out new leads and hold opportunities for conversations with existing employers.

There were 9 total projects won in 2025. Most were retention and expansion projects, meaning the business already existed but added a significant number of jobs and/or manufacturing space or equipment. One project was not only new for Norwalk, but new for Ohio and the United States. Sealcore LLC, an Italian-based manufacturer of products that range from standard O-rings and rotary shaft oil seals to high-performance polymers and custom 3D printing, broke ground on their first United States manufacturing facility. This project brings 20 new jobs to the Norwalk area and helps to diversify the local economy. Their new facility becomes the third manufacturing & distribution center on the North Central Ohio Industrial Park.

A major retention and expansion project for the county this year was Norweco and Norwalk Precast Molds’ (The Norwalk Companies) investment into their existing facility. The company added nearly 200,000 square feet to create a 25-acre campus of manufacturing, warehousing, and office space, resulting in job growth as well. Norweco is a manufacturer of water and wastewater treatment products, systems and chemicals, and its products are sold throughout the world. Norweco has been a long-standing employer for the county, beginning their operations in 1906 and this investment shows their continued commitment and strength within the local, state, and national economy.  

WHAT’S NEXT?

The county’s proximity to population metros of Cleveland, Toledo, and Columbus, proximity to major transportation networks including 2 interstates, 2 international airports, and freshwater ports, and an aggressive approach to economic development offers potential investors speed and low risk options. Huron County has a variety of properties available – commercial, industrial, shovel-ready sites or move-in ready buildings.

Developable Sites –

• North Central Ohio Industrial Park: Boasting 79 contiguous acres, it has been deemed SiteOhio Certified and among Ohio’s top developable sites. With all utilities reaching the park boundaries, all due diligence studies completed with clear findings.
• 900 & 1040 Theo Moll Drive: Modern industrial portfolio totaling 155,700 SF across two buildings, both built with pre-engineered construction, reinforced concrete floors, and clear heights up to 28 feet. Three surrounding parcels totaling 33.82 acres are also available, offering additional development or expansion opportunities.

Interested in learning more about Huron County and its competitiveness for your business? Check out our website with more information on the benefits of being a part of a top performing county year after year – huroncountyohio.com.

About Huron County Growth Partnership

The Huron County Growth Partnership is a non-profit, public-private partnership that facilitates business and community growth through economic development and chamber of commerce activities and services. The Growth Partnership aims to grow the community and economy, support businesses, secure resources for and make a name for Huron County. If you are interested in expanding your existing business into or starting a new business venture in Huron County, please visit the website at www.huroncountyohio.com.