The continued growth in production of abundant and affordable natural gas in the Utica Shale region of Ohio is transforming the state into a rich breeding ground for both “blue-collar” and increasingly, “white-collar” jobs.
For years, the manufacturing and logistics sectors have dominated the growing employment numbers, creating thousands of jobs for hard-working laborers throughout Ohio. These workers are laying the foundation for this thriving sector of the economy — heavily developing pipeline, water and other environmental infrastructure throughout the region.
To support this rapid growth, technical expertise has now become a hot commodity in the Buckeye State. Ohioans once unable to find jobs seeking their specialized training, such as in engineering and science, are now in high demand in the technical management of these large-scale infrastructure projects.
Already, technical experts in bustling city center offices are playing a key role in supporting the proper functioning of production facilities throughout the state.
The positive job growth in Ohio also supports the optimistic projections released in an American Chemistry Council study, which found that a new petrochemical plant in Ohio would generate $7.5 billion in chemical industry output in the state, $1 billion in Ohio wages, $169 million in state tax revenue and 17,000 Ohio jobs in chemistry and supplier industries.
Vast and inexpensive supplies of natural gas in Ohio are fueling a manufacturing renaissance that is breathing new life and opportunities into local economies. Whatever one’s background or expertise, the bounty of natural gas is like a gift that keeps on giving.
