An agreement has been reached that will enable Sterling to expand its campus and add jobs on Ghent Road in Akron. In February, Sterling extended its lease with Cedarwood Companies for another 25 years, keeping its 350,000 square foot headquarters in Akron on the 34 acres at Ghent and Smith roads.

A need for the growing company to expand further prompted Mayor Plusquellic to approach First Energy earlier this year about its office building just north of Sterling's campus. The mayor facilitated the companies' discussions on the possibility of Sterling moving into the First Energy building so it could retain its 2,300 jobs in Akron and support its future growth.

"First Energy has agreed," said Plusquellic, "to sell its 86,000 square foot, four-story office building to Sterling and then relocate associates that now work there."

The mayor added, "I personally want to thank Sterling first for its continuing commitment to Akron and thank Tony Alexander and First Energy for their total cooperation in helping our ongoing efforts to keep and add jobs in Akron. Without both companies working collaboratively, this would not have been possible."

The First Energy building now houses offices for several different divisions and sits on 9.2 acres. By early July, the third floor will be made available to Sterling. The remainder of the office building will be ready for Sterling by the end of 2008 as First Energy's new campus is completed.

Sterling's President and CEO Mark Light said, "We are proud to be helping support the future economic development of the city since both Sterling's 2,300 and First Energy's 900 team members will remain located here in the Greater Akron area." Light also thanked Mayor Plusquellic, First Energy CEO Anthony Alexander and Chief Operating Officer Dick Grigg and said Sterling looks forward to working with them over the next several months ensuring a smooth transition for all.

The City of Akron plans to assist with public improvements that may be needed on the property. 

First Energy's Dick Grigg thanked the mayor and congratulated Sterling for making what he called a significant commitment to the community and for making the "community even stronger."

In 2003 Akron City Council approved a 10-year option on 16 acres of city-owned land at Ghent and Smith roads to accommodate further expansion possibilities for Sterling, assuring the company that it would have sufficient land for future growth.