Trying to simplify things can get really complicated sometimes.
Since the days before Christmas, Honda and Nissan has discussed a merger deal that could create the world’s third-biggest automaker.
Unless, of course, a deal gets derailed, which is always possible.
The impetus behind such a deal isn’t that hard to see: EVs (electric vehicles) are being embraced, although more slowly than many observers expected, and China is emerging as an important player on the global automaking scene. Automakers will band together where they think that makes sense. Some analysts expect more deals, or attempts at them.
But this merger could be meaningful for Ohio.
Possible Honda-Nissan merger could mean opportunities at Ohio plants
What’s happening: Honda, Nissan (and Mitsubishi) are discussing a possible merger.
Why this matters: Ryan Augsburger, president of the Ohio Manufacturing Association, sees opportunity in a merger. In general, Honda’s track record in Ohio since 1979 has been positive, he said.
Until the COVID-19 pandemic, Honda never laid off any full-time employees in Ohio.
“We think the possibility is exciting for Ohio,” Augsburger said. “One only has to look at the track record.”
Yes, however: Among the reasons for exploring a merger: Critically examining plants and jobs.
“The companies anticipate that optimizing their manufacturing plants and energy service facilities, combined with improved collaboration through the shared use of production lines, will result in a substantial improvement in capacity utilization leading to a decrease in fixed costs,” Honda said.
Complications? There are a few of those. Among them: Renault is a part-owner of Nissan.
Ohio Medicaid proposes work requirements for certain members; public comment ends today
What’s happening: The Ohio Department of Medicaid is again eyeing work requirements for members who accessed Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act.
This has been a years-long attempt to require employment of people under an expansion of Medicaid. The rule would have members working at least 20 hours a week, or engaged in schooling, occupational training or undergoing treatment for a substance use to continue to qualify for Medicaid.
Who’s eligible: People eligible for the expansion currently include low-income adults up to 133% of the federal poverty level.
Boys & Girls Club to demolish West Dayton home, to build new facility
What’s happening: Dayton’s only Boys & Girls Club is going to tear down its 57-year-old building on the West side to make way for a facility some believe will attract and serve twice as many youths.
Why now? The Boys & Girls Club of Dayton has raised about $10.6 million of an $18 million goal partly for the new facility, which is expected to get underway this summer with the demolition of its longtime home at 1828 W. Stewart St.
Longtime market with international selection, client base moves to new area location
Market move: A longtime, family-owned market catering to a diverse customer base is embarking on a new chapter.
Fresh Halal Market, which had been located in Miamisburg for 25 years, recently relocated to 721 Lyons Road in Washington Twp. for better access and a newer storefront, according to owner Muhajer “Amir” Almosawi. Located next to Planet Fitness in the Washington Park shopping center, the market carries a variety of popular and sometimes hard-to-find grocery items from destinations around the globe.
Manufacturers and skilled workers: ‘If people go away, the future goes away.’
What’s happening: Once again, concerns about finding and retaining skilled workers topped the Dayton Region of Manufacturers Association’s annual survey of what local manufacturers are thinking about.
Why this matters: Workers who do their jobs well are the lifeblood of any business.
“If people go away, then the future goes away,” Beth Graves, president of Kettering inspection equipment manufacturer, said in a recent interview.
Contact me: Thank you as always for reading. You can reach me at tom.gnau@coxinc.com. You can also reach out at X,LinkedIn and on our Dayton Business page.
Nursing homes face the looming roll out of minimum staffing mandates that industry trade groups have said they aren’t equipped to integrate, while advocates for older Americans say those mandates would help improve living conditions for nursing home residents.
Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio recently announced it has acquired the Women’s Med Center in Dayton, which will be changing its name to to the Dayton Surgical Center of Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio.
Chef Phillip Morgan, the owner of Morgan’s Catering, has opened a restaurant in the Wright-Dunbar District after operating in a food trailer since 2021.
Jubie’s Creamery is closing its Moraine ice cream shop as the owner plans to focus on growing their wholesale and catering business this year.
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