Download this press release (PDF)
Columbus, OH – One of the world’s largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology, Avnet, Inc., has announced it will consolidate its current 350-employee Columbus Region workforce into one location and add employees over the next three years. The company is making a $2.5 million investment in equipment for the consolidated facility.
“This is a significant move for Avnet as we continue to invest in the Columbus Region and think strategically about the future growth of Avnet Services,” said Bill Wentworth, senior vice president, Avnet Services. “It makes sense for our employees to be in one location, and the Region is able to accommodate this move with a facility designed for our business and easy access to a workforce to support our business growth.”
The consolidation stems from Avnet’s acquisition of a dozen service companies in the past 18 months, all part of an aggressive effort to develop a full-service offering for its customers. Currently, the company oversees four Columbus Region facilities―three in Groveport and one in Grove City―with plans to consolidate all Central Ohio employees into one facility in Obetz, located off of Alum Creek Road. “The addition of Avnet to the growing Obetz stable of quality businesses is an exciting victory for the Village and further proof that the regional development efforts of Obetz, and our partners at JobsOhio and Columbus 2020, are paying outstanding dividends for the Region,” said Village of Obetz Mayor D. Greg Scott.
The additional employees will include repair technicians, logistics professionals, engineers, IT and business professionals. Hiring is expected to begin immediately, with all vacancies filled over the next three years.
“Every day, companies such as Avnet are making decisions to grow or locate in Ohio because of the state’s distribution network and pro-business climate,” said John Minor, president and chief investment officer, JobsOhio. “Avnet’s expansion in the Columbus Region is a great win for the state and for Ohioans working for this global distributor of high-tech products and electronic services. With our partner, Columbus 2020, we look forward to continuing a strong relationship with Avnet in the years to come.”
U.S. Senator Rob Portman said, “I commend Avnet for investing in Central Ohio. The expansion announced today means quality, high-tech, good-paying jobs for a region that has a strong workforce, including one of the highest concentrations of college students in the United States, and a local market rich in top academic and research institutions. I am delighted that I could assist Avnet in making this move. This has truly been a group effort, and I want to commend the Village of Obetz, Columbus 2020, and JobsOhio for helping make this expansion a reality.”
Wentworth added, “I would like to thank our Columbus-based leadership team, U.S. Senator Rob Portman, JobsOhio and Columbus 2020 for their support throughout this process and for helping to bring all parties to the table, which initiated Avnet’s investment and expansion in Central Ohio.”