More than 60 new manufacturing jobs are coming to Fairfield with the recent announcement of DSG-Canusa committing to occupy Building V at Fairfield Commerce Park. The company, a division of Mattr US Inc., is a manufacturer of integrated heat-shrink & cold-shrink tubing for industrial applications and serves a diverse set of markets, including automotive, electrical and utility, renewables, communications, aerospace and defense, and transportation. The new location will consolidate and expand operations currently located in Toronto, Ontario and Loveland, Ohio.



Fairfield Commerce Park is a five-building speculative business park located on nearly 140 acres along Seward Road. Development of the park began in 2020 following the acquisition of the former Liberty Mutual/Ohio Casualty campus by Ambrose Property Group. The completed development boasts 1.6 million square feet of Class A industrial space. All five buildings at the park are fully-leased, housing nine companies and hundreds of new jobs.

One of the city’s oldest operating businesses was recently honored during a milestone ownership transition. Cassano’s Pizza King opened on December 3, 1965 at 4761 Dixie Highway in what was then known as the Hicks Manor Shopping Center. The shop was the 27th location in the Cassano’s chain that grew to American pizza dominance in the 1970s with locations throughout the country.

Today, the Fairfield location is one of only a few remaining independent franchises of Cassano’s. The restaurant is located at the same address, although the surrounding shopping center has been significantly renovated and renamed as Cornerstone Plaza.

For more than 40 years, the Fairfield location was owned by Elaine Hill and her family. At the beginning of September, Mrs. Hill sold the restaurant to Katie Dixon and began a well-earned retirement. Fairfield City Council recognized the business with a special proclamation presented at the September 11th council meeting. Later that week, officials from the City and the Fairfield Chamber gathered at the restaurant for a royal ribbon cutting to rededicate this Fairfield institution.

ABOVE: Vice Mayor Meyers presents a proclamation to new owner Katie Dixon

BELOW: Officials gather for a ribbon cutting to rededicate the long-time restaurant

The city is developing a plan to ensure that Fairfield is maximizing its resources in a way that provides efficiency of city operations now and in the future. This plan, known as “Fairfield Sustains,” will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for addressing environmental, economic, and livability considerations in the city. Among other things, the plan will look at energy usage in the community, open space preservation, resource protection, and economic sustainability initiatives. 

As part of this process, the city is seeking public feedback. The survey should take less than 10 minutes and is available here.

Village Green Park, a centerpiece of Fairfield’s Town Center area, is receiving a major upgrade. Construction recently began on a complete playground reconstruction and expansion. When finished, the playground area will triple in size from less than 1,100 square feet to over 3,700 square feet. Playground features will include a crab trap rope feature, climbing tower, slides, chimes, and a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round. Shaded seating areas will also be installed.

Major construction is expected to be accomplished this year. The project is intended to provide another quality amenity to enhance resident quality of life and increase the vibrancy of the Town Center area.

To view conceptual renderings for the project, watch this video:

Fairfield Planning Commission recently approved plans for a major exterior renovation to the Gordon Food Service Store on Route 4. The project includes a complete redesign of the store entrance, refaced facades, and new signage. The project represents a $2 million investment by the company.

LEFT: Current image of store entrance

RIGHT: Rendering of planned improvements

Construction has largely wrapped up at Seward Pointe Commerce Park, a new two-building industrial park adjacent to Takumi Stamping. Brennan Investment Group of Chicago, Illinois acquired the 33-acre site in 2021 and has invested more than $40 million in the project. The park’s two buildings provide more nearly 450,000 square feet of Class A industrial space with access from both Symmes and Seward Roads. The city supported the project with a performance-based tax abatement.

To learn more about the property, click here.

Business Engagement with Fairfield High School Students

Recognizing the need to expose high school students to both immediate job and long-term career opportunities at Fairfield companies, multiple partners have collaborated to establish free opportunities to engage students. Below is a summary of the various options a company may consider. For more information and scheduling, contact nkaelin@fairfieldoh.gov for a program flyer.

FAIRFIELD CAREER FEST

Annual event for businesses to showcase immediate and long-term career opportunities. Approximately 1,500 juniors and seniors participate throughout the school day. Be sure to hold April 19, 2024 for the next Career Fest!

LUNCH OR SPORTING EVENT

Exhibit table in the cafeteria or at a sporting event to highlight company to students. Sporting events also provide exposure to parents.

LUNCH & LEARNS

Lunchtime presentation by a company to a targeted group of students.

Companies will be provided with guidelines to protect the safety of all students.

Shared Harvest Food Bank officials, volunteers, and donors recently celebrated the official opening of its new Hunger Awareness Center in Fairfield. The center measures more than 14,000 square feet and provides improved space for volunteer projects and educational training. Shared Harvest secured approximately $3 million in funding to construct the new building.

Shared Harvest was founded in 1983 and is affiliated with the Feeding America food bank network. From its Fairfield facility, Shared Harvest distributes food to local food pantries within five local counties: Butler, Darke, Miami, Preble, and Warren.

Mayor Rhodus, Executive Director Terry Perdue, and Shared Harvest board members

The Fairfield Business Spotlight video series highlights new and expanding businesses, new development projects, and other economic development news across Fairfield. The series recently visited The Toy Department on Route 4.

To see past and future videos, follow the City on social media or visit the City website.

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT:

Former Golden Corral

Located on Kolb Drive near South Gilmore Road, the former Golden Corral restaurant building provides a unique reuse opportunity. The freestanding building measures 10,076 square feet and has 122 parking spaces. The property is zoned C2, providing for a mix of commercial uses including continued use as a restaurant or retrofit for other compatible uses such as medical or other offices. With close proximity to I-275, the property is also adjacent to major employers including Cincinnati Financial, Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital, and Veritiv Corporation. BlackGate has the property listed for sale or lease.

Learn more by clicking here.