Washington Jobs Outlook Healthy

Washington Jobs Outlook Healthy	19 Mar 2007
Farrar Scientific testing technician Scott Weppler, 25, is among a new and steadily growing breed of young, highly-skilled workers in Washington County who, in future years, look to provide high tech support to industry. "We're growing so fast," Weppler said. "We are just swamped." Farrar Scientific, a thermal engineering and consulting firm specializing in the design and manufacture of precision, ultra-low temperature conditioning equipment and systems, soon plans a move to bigger digs. Scott Farrar is president and owner. With offices currently at 96 Products Lane, located there since the company was founded in 2001, Farrar plans to relocate north on Ohio 7. Facilities will be larger, making room for expansion and, hopefully, more employees. Today there are fewer than a dozen. It's good news for Marietta, Washington County, and the regional economy. Scott Farrar was not available for comment over the weekend, but his company's move is necessary if the business is to grow, said Mike Jacoby, executive director for the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority Friday. "Farrar is now only able to accept 10 percent of the work he is offered," Jacoby said. "The move is necessary so more work can be accepted here." The future of Washington County and the region may one day be based on small to medium sized businesses, like Farrar's, Jacoby said. In the eye of one industry watcher, Manpower Inc., the short term job picture in the Mid-Ohio Valley is clearly bright, in focus, and headed for steady expansion in the second quarter (April, May, and June). The news comes after a recent survey of local businesses by Manpower that confirms a healthy and stable market. The economic foundation of the area is centered on industrial centers of chemical, resins and synthetic rubber, primary metals, fabricated metals and machinery. The region is home to significant white-collar, information-based jobs at four hospitals, four colleges, a large U.S. Bureau of Public Debt, and numerous professional offices and service companies.