Nehemiah Manufacturing Company

Port Authority finance program assists purpose-driven urban manufacturer

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Regional manufacturing company changes lives through employment

Nehemiah Manufacturing Company is helping a seemingly unemployable population find – and keep – jobs. The company builds on an understanding of consumer products manufacturing to employ people who have a criminal record or a history of drug abuse.

Founded in 2009, Nehemiah was built on the concept of profit with a purpose. After spending many years working in the consumer products industry, the company’s founders connected with Procter and Gamble to license its Pampers Kandoo wipes product line. The founders were not simply looking for an opportunity to build consumer brands, they wanted to provide an employment path for people with criminal records or previous histories of drug abuse. Nehemiah’s quick growth forced the company to work from several locations throughout Greater Cincinnati – and company leaders decided to bring operations back under one roof.

At its April 2017 meeting, the Port Authority Board of Directors approved the Port using its lease structure to assist in the development of a new 182,000 square foot facility for Nehemiah Manufacturing on a 7.7-acre site in Lower Price Hill. The Port’s financing is a portion of the overall incentives and assistance provided to the growing manufacturer by the City of Cincinnati, REDI Cincinnati and JobsOhio, from which it received a $300,000 Revitalization Grant.

Lower Price Hill

While Nehemiah could operate anywhere in the U.S., it found the perfect property in Lower Price Hill. Located close to the population the company serves, employees can walk to work or easily take a bus. The manufacturing space is close to major highways that make shipping simpler, and it is near social services Nehemiah’s employees need.

Impact

Returning this 7.7-acres to productive reuse represents the first development at Metro West Commerce Park, and is expected to catalyze additional development interest and private investment. In addition to retaining 76 jobs (value of $4.4 million payroll) in the City, this new facility will enable Nehemiah to increase capacity and create 50 new manufacturing positions over the next 3 years.