News this month that the mammoth multinational Kimberly-Clark Corp. will commit $800 million toward a state-of-the-art diversified manufacturing plant in Trumbull County has injected a potent and much-needed shot of economic vitality into the Mahoning Valley.

It also has demonstrated that the Greater Youngstown-Warren metro area is primed for additional innovation and economic expansion, particularly in its legacy specialty of manufacturing.

We enthusiastically welcome Kimberly-Clark and deeply thank it for selecting 560 acres of former RG Steel Corp. property in Howland and Warren townships to build its second largest manufacturing facility in the world. The 500-employee hub is expected to churn out and distribute a healthy segment of its trusted personal care and hygiene products, which include such brand-name household favorites as Kleenex, Huggies, Depends, Kotex, Scott and Cottonelle.

To carry this exciting project to the finish line, though, the same level of cooperation, communication and collaboration that transpired under the radar over the past 18 months between the company and a diverse set of economic development entities must continue unabated.

That means close oversight must be maintained by all parties over any and all plant construction and transportation-access issues as well as other infrastructure needs and finalization of the Joint Economic Development District for the multi-jurisdiction enterprise.

But given the successful track record thus far in landing the hub in the Valley, we foresee smooth sailing ahead toward a grand opening of the plant in less than three years.

One of many players in the quest to convince Kimberly-Clark of the Valley’s strategic development assets has been the Lake to River Economic Development district, the separate JobsOhio region of Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties created exactly one year ago this month.

At that time, we accurately predicted the new Mahoning Valley-centric development district would pave the way for greater recognition by outside investors of our region and stronger and more focused efforts within the district to attract them. The Kimberly-Clark investment rises as proof-positive of that critical mix.

Other leading players deserving of healthy pats on the back for this success story include the Western Reserve Port Authority, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber, the Trumbull County Planning Commission, local government leaders, the Ohio Department of Development and the Ohio Controlling Board.

Some played critical roles in planning and selling the many attributes of the Trumbull County site to corporate bigwigs. Others provided attractive bait for Kimberly-Clark in the form of lucrative tax credits and property tax abatements.

Collectively, this group of movers and shakers more importantly carved out a winning formula for attracting additional economic development to Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties. Clearly, the value of collaboration and communication sits atop that winning strategy.

As all of these players dot the i’s and cross the t’s on the Kimberly-Clark deal, they should also review what worked best — and perhaps elements that did not click — over the past 18 months in that project and bottle it for future use.

After all, the significance of the Kimberly Clark investment cannot be overstated. As Anthony Trevena, the port authority’s executive director, aptly explained on news of the investment commitment: “Bringing a global company like Kimberly-Clark is the result of sustained collaboration, bold site development and the reality that this region is positioned to meet global demand. This project demonstrates what is possible when public and private partners align around a common goal and when we invest in preparing sites that meet the moment. It sends a powerful signal to other companies that the Mahoning Valley is ready.”

We agree wholeheartedly and feel confident other large and prosperous companies will take notice of the global giant’s commitment to the Mahoning Valley and follow its lead here.

SCRIPTURE

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.

Psalm 46:2 ESV