Austin Interchange land set aside, but will Motoman come?

The industrial robotics company plans to consolidate operations at a single site.

DAYTON — The Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District pulled 22.5 acres adjacent to the Austin Interchange from an option to purchase to secure the site in the event it’s selected by Motoman, Inc. for its North American headquarters.

The TID board approved the change in the agreement with RG Austin West LTD on Monday, June 14, for acreage on the northwest corner of the interchange.

“RG has an abiding interest in the overall health of whatever happens around the interchange,” said Steve Stanley, executive director of the TID. “Out of this transaction, RG doesn’t get anything.”

Motoman Inc., an industrial robotics company, plans to consolidate its Troy and West Carrollton facilities in a single location. The company has narrowed its selection to two sites, the one in Miamisburg near the Interstate 75 interchange at Austin Boulevard and the Ohio 73 interchange in Springboro.

“We’re working on some contracts. It could happen quickly,” Tom Schockman, Motoman’s chief financial officer, said.

Motoman will bring 250 to 275 jobs to the winning location.

The Dayton-Montgomery County Port Authority owns the 121 acres known as the Long Farm, which includes the 22.5 acres.

The TID has the option to purchase portions for economic development or transportation improvements. Stanley said the TID has already pulled about 18 acres from the total for Austin interchange and the Byers Road realignment right-of-ways.

The TID now has the option to purchase the additional 22.5 acres for $49,000 per acre. Stanley said the plan is to then option the property for purchase to the city of Miamisburg for $67,000, the same price RG was charged.

“Ultimately, that price would be passed on to Motoman, if they decide on that site,” Stanley said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2362 or josmith@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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