Steel Company Purchases $7.75 Million EastonOffice Building
Worthington Steel has finalized the acquisition of a newheadquarters location in the Easton area, purchasing an office building at 3344Morse Crossing for $7.75 million. The transaction, completed on April 24according to Franklin County Auditor property records, marks a significantshift for one of the region's major employers.
The company plans to relocate approximately 400 employeesto the new Easton location in 2026, representing a substantial portion of itsoffice workforce while accounting for just 8% of its total employee base ofapproximately 5,000.
"We are excited about having a new home for ourbusiness and employees to grow," Worthington Steel said in a statementprovided to The Dispatch.
Relocation Follows Corporate Split
The headquarters move comes in the wake of a significantcorporate restructuring. In 2023, Worthington Industries divided into twoseparate companies, Worthington Steel and Worthington Enterprises, bothinitially maintaining headquarters at the same Columbus location on West OldWilson Bridge Road near the border of Worthington, just south of I-270.
According to the company's statement, Worthington Steelbegan the process of establishing its own distinct headquarters following thiscorporate division. The announcement did not clarify whether WorthingtonEnterprises will also relocate from the current shared headquarters facility.
Community Concerns Over Economic Impact
The planned relocation has triggered immediate concernsfrom local business leaders about potential economic repercussions for theWorthington area. Matt Lofy, President of the Worthington Area Chamber ofCommerce, issued a statement expressing "urgent concern" over theannouncement and its potential impact on the community.
"While we respect their business decision and thankthem for their countless contributions to our community, this moment calls forimmediate action," Lofy stated on the Chamber's website.
Worthington Steel and Worthington Enterprises collectivelyrepresent the largest employers in the Worthington area and are among thelargest in the broader Columbus region. The potential loss of 400 jobs, and theassociated economic activity they generate, has prompted calls for strategicresponse from local officials.
Key Takeaways:
• Worthington Steel has purchased an office building at3344 Morse Crossing near Easton Town Center for $7.75 million.
• The company plans to relocate 400 employees (8% of itstotal workforce) to the new location in 2026.
• The move follows Worthington Industries' 2023 split intotwo separate companies: Worthington Steel and Worthington Enterprises.
• It remains unclear whether Worthington Enterprises willalso relocate from the current shared headquarters.
• The Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce has expressed"urgent concern" about the economic impact of the relocation.
• Chamber President Matt Lofy called for "immediateaction" to ensure Worthington remains competitive in attracting andretaining businesses.
• The companies represent the largest employers in theWorthington area and among the largest in the Columbus region.
