CINCINNATI — A beauty care company that has been in the city for decades will expand in Camp Washington, according to The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority.
Kao USA, which manufactures brands like Biore, Jergens and Curel, will expand from its 2419 Spring Grove Ave. location into the space next door, which is currently owned by industrial valve company Powell Valves.
Powell Valves will then move to a four-acre space at the former Kahn’s/Sara Lee site, located on Spring Grove Avenue in Camp Washington.
The Port Board of Directors approved the plan on Wednesday, according to a news release. The Port board passed a resolution, which will allow it to issue up to $8 million in tax increment financing bonds through the Southwest Ohio Regional Bond Fund.
Months of discussion between the two companies represents “a monumental effort inspired by true public-private collaboration to achieve a vision that works for all parties,” The Port CEO Laura Brunner said.
The Port will manage the property redevelopment project, including demolition and remediation, for Kao USA, Executive Vice President Melissa Johnson said.
Jeff Aluotto, Hamilton County Administrator, said expansion and retaining jobs is a priority for county officials.
“This project is valuable to our region and its future, because both companies are global leaders in their respective industries,” Aluotto said.
The move will create 45 more jobs for Kao USA.
Tokyo-based Kao Corporation acquired the Andrew Jergens Co. in Cincinnati in 1988 and made the city its headquarters in North America. The company has grown since then and has recently opened a downtown headquarters that houses marketing, sales and administration employees.
