SelectTech has been supporting programs based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for more than 20 years, but SelectTech Geospatial is a spin-off that has been in operation for about one and a half years, said Scott Sullivan, president of SelectTech Services.
Sullivan said the company has more than 100 employees based at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
The company designs and manufactures special systems for the aerospace industry and the Department of Defense.
Portman, who will likely face either Democrat Lee Fisher or Jennifer Brunner in next fall’s election, said the company serves as an example of how to create jobs. While many firms conduct high-tech research, the jobs to produce products are often out-sourced to other state, Portman said. SelectTech, however, now has the ability to manufacture the products locally.
“They’re taking advantage of their research capacity and instead of outsourcing the projects outside of the state, they’re keeping it in Ohio,” Portman said.
He noted Ohio has traditionally had a strong manufacturing base, but needs to find ways to produce more products in the state, particularly in high-tech fields.
“The challenge is how do you commercialize that research and have the work done in Ohio,” he said.
Portman was also expected to visit sites in Miami and Auglaize Counties later Wednesday.
Jessica Towhey, Portman’s press secretary, said he has also recently visited job training sites, manufacturing facilities, food banks and other operations throughout the state. Job creation is expected to be a major issue throughout his campaign.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.
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