Proposed $106 million ‘Project Crispy’ to bring major chip manufacturer to Moraine

An unnamed chip manufacturing company looks to revitalize an unused manufacturing facility in the Dayton region. Once operational, the location would generate 250 new jobs.

The former GM paint shop facility on a 32-acre site at 4100 Springboro Pike in Moraine is proposed to undergo a major transformation to bring an out-of-state chip manufacturing operation to Ohio.

The $106.2 million project would give new life to the 390,000-square-foot facility, enabling the manufacturer to relocate an existing out-of-state operation with additional proposed production capacity. The prospect would look to grow and occupy the entire state.

“The project provides a significant opportunity to infill and revitalize one of the last remaining former GM properties as well as secure a new facility for an existing Ohio headquartered company within one of our region’s targeted industry sectors,” said Michael Davis, Moraine city manager, in a project summary.

While no name is disclosed at this time, Project Crispy Lead with CBRE Inc. Seth Martindale said the occupying company is considered a leading manufacturer of branded potato chips, tortilla chips, whole grain chips, puffs, curls and other snacks.

If the project moves forward, tenant construction is sectioned to begin in October with completion eyed for March 2025. The facility is expected to be fully operational by October 2026.

Hiring for the facility is expected to begin in January 2025 with an estimated 250 jobs being created. With an average salary of $50,200, the estimated total payroll for the facility is $12.6 million.

“The city has continued to support and collaborate on one of the final remaining former GM facilities and is optimistic about the occupancy that project crispy would bring to the site provided it was secured,” Davis said. “The unified approach from our regional and state partners along with the property owner, positions our community well for the attraction of the project and other future opportunities. I believe the proposed use of the project would continue to support our industry diversification efforts that lend to economic stability.”

ED/GE funds, recently secured for the project at $250,000, are expected to provide gap funding and compliment collaborative assistance being pledged by the city at $250,000. Remaining funds were pledged through the unnamed prospect with $105.2 million and JobsOhio with $500,000.

DBJ