Hager celebrated the Intel project’s significant progress since its groundbreaking three years ago. Despite initial skepticism and timeline adjustments, Intel has invested over $10 billion and currently employs 1,500 workers on-site, he said.
The revised schedule, now aiming for chip production by 2031, has allowed the trades to better prepare their workforce. Hager emphasized that this steady progress has been a substantial economic driver for Columbus and Central Ohio.
“We’re very positive about this project,” Hager said. “We’re recruiting, we’re retaining, we’re building our ranks so when the job does scale up, we’re going to be ready to help Intel meet the needs that they’re going to have.”
Columbus’s thriving construction industry
Hager noted that Columbus was recently named the top U.S. city for business, attributing this recognition partly to the attention and growth spurred by Intel’s investment. This achievement highlights the region’s growing appeal to businesses seeking to expand or relocate.
Central Ohio’s construction boom isn’t limited to Intel. Hager highlighted a newly approved solar project in Fairfield County, set to power 42,000 homes and employ 800 tradespeople.
“It’s going to be an incredible project, and another one is just going into the queue as all this solar work starts to grow and expand,” he said.
This project, along with others in the region, demonstrates the diverse range of opportunities for skilled trades workers in Central Ohio.
Hager also addressed the ongoing labor dispute between Teamsters Local 284 and Sutphen, a fire truck manufacturer.
He expressed solidarity with the Teamsters and concern over the company’s shift toward anti-union tactics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive labor relations for workers and businesses.
Listen to the full episode here.