Logistics Hub to U.S. Markets

One of the key advantages of doing business in Summit County is our key proximity to many major markets within the U.S. and Canada. Summit County was once a key stop along the Ohio and Erie Canal, making it a commercial center in the 1800s. In the first half of the 20^th century, Roadway Express was founded in the City of Akron, while the Goodyear Airdock was used to build some of the nation's first and largest airships. While the means for businesses to transport goods and people from place to place have changed, Summit County's central position within the Ohio, Midwest and U.S. economy is the same today as it was over 100 years ago.

We are located within an eight-hour drive of half of the U.S. population and half of the U.S. buying power. Additionally, Summit County is located within an eight-hour drive of two-thirds of the Canadian economic base. Markets within a 500 miles radius of Summit County include New York, Washington D.C., Chicago and Nashville. Additionally, we are centrally located between Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Columbus.

As a result of our proximity to these key U.S. and Canadian markets, Summit County is a leader in the logistics, transportation and distributions industries, is a key supplier to the American automotive industry, and is a driver in advanced manufacturing that plays a critical role in several established and emerging industries.

Summit County is crisscrossed by Interstates I-80, 1-76, I-77, I-271, I-277, and I-480 which serve as major trucking routes within the Eastern U.S. It is also served by U.S. 224 and Ohio SR8. As a result, several trucking and logistics businesses call Summit County home, including FedEx Custom Critical and JRayl Transport, along with YRC Freight maintaining a significant presence within the County. Additionally, the County is served by several rail lines that conveniently and efficiently transport freight and materials to and from businesses within the County.

Summit County is also served by the Akron-Canton Airport in the City of Green, the Akron Executive Airport in the City of Akron and the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in adjacent Cuyahoga County. These airports provide a combination of regional, national and international service for both passenger and freight needs to companies within Summit County and doing business with those in Summit County. Additionally, both the Akron-Canton Airport and Akron Executive Airport have strategically targeted areas surrounding their facilities for development, particularly for logistics and distribution companies and companies exporting from and importing into the U.S. The CAK International Business Park consists of three completed phases, totaling 306 acres, and offering businesses the benefits of being located in a Foreign Trade Zone.