Local company closing that wanted to expand, add 500 jobs

A Miami Twp. company that asked for local and state financial incentives to expand and add 500 new jobs just two years ago announced it’s closing its local operation and eliminating 50 jobs.

Houston, Texas-based Direct Energy told Ohio officials Friday it was closing its operation at 9260 Marketplace Drive in Miami Twp. on Oct. 31, 2017. Layoffs of the first employees will begin in July.

Direct Energy proposed in early 2014 to build an $8.6 million call center off Ohio 741 as part of plan to add 550 jobs to an area where it employed 60 corporate workers at the time.

JobsOhio officials said at the time they were working behind the scenes to help keep the company in Miami Twp.

The company warned that incentives and subsidies would be a key factor in its decision.

“The ultimate selection of the location will hinge on the most attractive site based on employee demographics and overall cost of operation, including any and all available incentives and subsidies,” according to a letter to the township from Eric E. Salzer, senior vice president of Direct Energy.

Direct Energy also sought $500,000 in Montgomery County for Economic Development/Government Equity funds for the proposed call center.

“If Miami Township is not ultimately selected as the new site for this project, the existing jobs will likely move to the selected city/site,” the company said.

The company later withdrew its request for incentives to expand the operation, but would not cite reasons for the change in plans.

Officials with Direct Energy could not be reached for comment.

Township records show the annual average salary of Direct Energy employees is $66,000.

Direct Energy calls itself “one of the largest retail providers of electricity, natural gas, and home services in all of North America.” The company offers heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, plumbing, water heater and other services to residential customers. It has 6,000 employees nationally, the company says on its web site.

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