By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Groveport city officials believe the closure of a German freight company in the city will not adversely affect the city’s income tax revenues.
According to Groveport Finance Director Jeff Green, DB Schenker, which handles distribution activities for Kraft Foods at an approximately 1.1 million square foot building at 2842 Spiegel Drive, will suspend operations in Groveport around April 30 and that 151 jobs would be affected.
“We have been advised by Kraft, and also by Duke Realty, who owns the Kraft building, that Kraft has replaced Schenker with Exel, who handles distribution for Toys-R-Us, Guthy-Renker and other companies in Groveport and the surrounding Rickenbacker area,” said Green. “Exel begins on May 1.”
Green said there should be no negative impact on the city’s income tax revenues.
“Although it is true that 151 Schenker jobs will be affected by the transition, it is likely that a high percentage of those workers displaced by Schenker will migrate to Exel,” said Green.
Other Groveport news
•Groveport City Council approved the purchase, through lease agreement, of a 2016 Versalift/Ford Chassis bucket truck for $121,825 at $1,900 per month. It will replace the city’s 30-year-old bucket truck, which Groveport City Administrator Marsha Hall said has become unsafe. Public Works Superintendent Dennis Moore said city workers will use the new bucket truck for ceiling and lighting repairs as well as tree work. Moore said the new bucket truck is smaller and more versatile and “will last us a long time.”
•The installation of the new playground in the Founders Bend subdivision is scheduled to take place beginning April 11. The playground will be in the open space located just west of the subdivision. In addition to the playground equipment, four benches, a sidewalk from the entrance to the playground, signage, and shrubbery will be installed.
•Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to transfer Ohio and Erie Canal lands – located on the north side of Rohr Road from the eastside of the Kurtz Brothers site to the intersection of Commerce Center Drive with Rohr Road – from the state to the city. The land will be used for public utility purposes and for future as needed transportation needs.
