America's Work Force Union Podcast

Despite Intel delay, Central Ohio construction work continues to boom

Written by awfblog | November 1, 2024

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share updates on Intel and other construction projects in Central Ohio. He also discussed the demand for building unions to provide well-trained members to handle new construction projects.

Phase I of the Intel project in Central Ohio hit a roadblock as the federal government has yet to release approved CHIPS Act funds to Intel. Hager explained his thoughts on why no federal funds have been released. He said that until the federal government can ensure Intel meets all labor, environmental and financial stipulations, funds will not be released.

Meanwhile, another new project was announced, which broke ground in Licking County in late October. Hager discussed the $2.8 billion Vantage datacenter campus project, which includes three datacenters. He said the project is moving quickly, and the goal is to have the first datacenter operational by December 2025. Hager said this project could employ as many as 1,500 workers during the first phase of construction.

There are close to 4,600 tradesmen and tradeswomen onsite at the L-H Battery plant (formerly the LG-Honda EV Battery plant). Hager said work is progressing towards the Jan. 9, 2025, goal to begin battery production and says they will meet the deadline. 

While the battery plant project will be finished on time, it does not mean the tradesmen and tradeswomen who are onsite in Jeffersonville will be out of a job. Hager spoke about the region’s demand for the union construction workforce and how his affiliated Local Unions are handling it. For example, he explained that the demand for United Association members is so great that the Plumber and Pipefitters Local 189 JATC had to open a new training facility in order to handle the rapidly growing size of their apprenticeship program.

Listen to the show above to hear more about the technology construction boom in Central Ohio.