Updated October 27, 2026
Forgent Power Solutions plans to invest $3 million in a new 90,000-square-foot corporate office on Nationwide Boulevard in downtown Columbus’s Arena District. The project is expected to create 85 jobs and $12 million in new annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2029. JobsOhio announced the expansion on Monday, Oct. 26, the same day the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved state incentives for the project.
This is a corporate office expansion, not a new factory. Forgent, which makes electrical distribution equipment for data centers, power grids and industrial facilities, will use the Columbus space for customer support and business functions. The 85 jobs are projections, not positions that have already been filled.
Where will Forgent open its Columbus office?
The office will be on Nationwide Boulevard in the Arena District, near Nationwide Arena. FOX 28 reports the space totals 90,000 square feet. The company has also been reported to be leasing it at 10 W. Nationwide Blvd.
JobsOhio describes the Columbus office as a hub for customer support and for functions that support Forgent’s wider business. Forgent’s CEO, Gary Niederpruem, is Ohio-based, and the company is also bringing existing Ohio employees into the space alongside new hires.
Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther called the decision a major long-term commitment to downtown Columbus.
What jobs will Forgent create in Columbus?
According to the Ohio Department of Development, Forgent expects to create 85 full-time-equivalent positions. They would generate $12 million in new annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2029.
JobsOhio says the office will support:
- Customer support
- Project management
- Supply chain
- Finance
- Human resources
- Corporate strategy
Dividing $12 million by 85 positions gives an average of about $141,000 per job. That is a simple calculation of projected payroll, not a confirmed salary or starting pay. Forgent has not published job titles, salary ranges or an opening date.
What state incentive did Forgent receive?
The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a Job Creation Tax Credit for the project at its Oct. 26 meeting. The authority reviews proposals brought forward by JobsOhio and its regional partners. In Forgent’s case, the state’s approval was listed under the company name Forgent Power LLC.
Columbus Business First reported that the credit is a 1.877% rate over 10 years, valued at roughly $2.22 million. The outlet also reported a requirement to keep operations at the location for at least 13 years. These terms should be confirmed against the Tax Credit Authority’s agreement before publication.
A tax credit is not a cash grant. The company earns it only by meeting hiring and payroll commitments, and the final value depends on that performance.
| Project detail | Reported figure |
| Private investment | $3 million |
| New jobs | 85 |
| New annual payroll | $12 million |
| Office size | 90,000 sq. ft. |
| Job creation deadline | Dec. 31, 2029 |
| State tax credit | 1.877% for 10 years (per Business First) |
| Estimated incentive value | About $2.22 million (per Business First) |
Why did Forgent choose downtown Columbus?
Officials say the move follows the customers. Forgent’s equipment serves data centers, utilities and industrial sites, and Central Ohio’s digital infrastructure industry is growing.
Jonas Peterson, president and chief economic development officer of One Columbus, said Forgent is placing core corporate functions downtown to be close to customers and talent. Niederpruem has said Columbus offers the talent and proximity to key customers that make it a strong fit.
What does Forgent Power Solutions make?
Forgent designs and manufactures electrical distribution equipment, including transformers, switchgear and power skids. Transformers change voltage levels, and switchgear controls and protects electrical circuits. Forgent builds most of its products to order for specific projects.
The company is based in Dayton, Minnesota, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange as FPS. It went public in February 2026. According to its IPO filing, it operates 10 manufacturing campuses across Minnesota, Texas, Maryland, California and Mexico.
The Columbus site will not manufacture equipment.
What does the expansion mean for downtown Columbus?
The office brings a sizable corporate tenant to the Arena District. Officials say it will add daytime workers to the area and could support nearby businesses.
Those benefits are not yet measured. The announcements do not say how many existing employees will relocate or provide an independent estimate of local spending. Because the jobs are projected through 2029, the full effect will depend on how quickly Forgent hires.
How can I apply for Forgent jobs in Columbus?
Check the careers page on Forgent’s official website, forgentpower.com. Forgent has not said whether all 85 roles are open now. Read each posting for its work location, qualifications and pay.
What happens next?
The company has not announced an opening date, phased hiring schedule or salary ranges. Watch for:
- The office opening date
- Job postings for the Columbus location
- Any change to the state agreement or hiring targets
Columbus Frontline will update this story as Forgent releases details.
Frequently asked questions
How many jobs is Forgent adding in Columbus?
85 full-time-equivalent positions, with $12 million in new annual payroll, targeted by Dec. 31, 2029.
Where is the new Forgent office?
On Nationwide Boulevard in the Arena District of downtown Columbus. The space is 90,000 square feet.
Is Forgent building a factory in Columbus?
No. It is a corporate office for customer support, project management, finance, HR and similar functions.
How much is Forgent investing?
$3 million to build out the office.
Did Forgent get a state tax credit?
Yes. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a Job Creation Tax Credit on Oct. 26.
Sources
- JobsOhio, Forgent Selects Downtown Columbus for Major Corporate Expansion, Oct. 26, 2026
- Ohio Governor’s Office, Governor DeWine Announces 10 Projects Set to Create 1,359 Jobs, Oct. 26, 2026
- FOX 28 / ABC 6 (WSYX), Forgent Power Solutions to invest $3 million in downtown Columbus office, add 85 jobs, Oct. 27, 2026
- Columbus Business First, Oct. 26, 2026 (incentive terms)
- Forgent Power Solutions IPO filing coverage, Renaissance Capital, Jan. 9, 2026