Three Columbus businesses have been awarded state tax credits for planned expansion projects expected to create more than 100 jobs in the region.

The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved tax credits for Dri-Design Inc., Wandel & Schnell Architects and XPO Logistics Freights Inc.

Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, and state Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik earlier this week announced the approval of six projects around the state that are expected to create 699 jobs and retain nearly 300 jobs.

The projects are expected to result in more than $62 million in new payroll and spur more than $835 million in investments across Ohio, according to state officials.

Dri-Design Inc. expects to create 29, generating more than $2.2 million in new annual payroll as a result of the company’s new location in Columbus.

Dri-Design provides recyclable, non-combustible and customizable metal wall panel systems for building exteriors, eliminating the need for joint sealants and frequent maintenance, offering a long-lasting and eco-friendly product, according to state officials.

The proposed project includes leasing a new facility to expand established facilities and partnerships in the region. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.22 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.

Wandel & Schnell Architects expects to create 20 jobs, generating $1.7 million in new annual payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in Columbus.

The architecture and design firm focuses on “innovative environments to enhance human potential, including workplaces, educational spaces, and community areas,” state officials said.

The proposed project includes leasing a new facility to expand its current footprint. The Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.23 percent, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.

XPO Logistics Freights Inc. expects to add 55 new positions, generating more than $3.3 million in new annual payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in Columbus.

XPO is a provider of asset-based transportation service in North America, utilizing proprietary technology to optimize logistics and supply chain operations to move goods.

The proposed project includes upgrades to an existing company facility to modernize operations and enhance its transportation fleet and logistic network.

The Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.24 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.

Three other projects in other areas of the state were also awarded tax credits, including Kimberly-Clark, USA, LLC in Howland Township, which expects to create 491 newe positions, generating $49.1 million in new annual payroll as a result of the company’s new location there.

Kimberly-Clark is a personal-care product company, producing a range of household and hygiene products, including tissues, wipes and feminine care items.

The proposed project includes the construction of a facility to enhance production capabilities and position the company for future growth.

The project is pending further review and a final decision by Kimberly-Clark.

The Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.83 percent, 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.

LetsGetChecked Inc. plans to add 74 positions, generating more than $4.5 million in new annual payroll, as a result of the company’s new location in Fairfield.

LetsGetChecked is a global health-care solutions company offering at-home health testing kits for health and wellness conditions, integrating manufacturing, logistics, lab analysis, physician support and prescription fulfillment.

The proposed project includes acquiring a new building to establish a Midwest facility for distribution and laboratory practices.

The Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.44 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.

SkyCell North America Inc. expects to create 30 new positions, generating $2.1 million in new annual payroll as a result of the company’s new location in West Chester.

SkyCell is a Swiss company specializing in manufacturing and shipping temperature-controlled
hybrid containers for pharmaceuticals and providing technological solutions tailored for the global air cargo industry.

The proposed project includes a new facility to enhance operational capacity and support company growth. The proposed investment will position the Ohio location as the hub for its North American hub-and-spoke model for processing and repairing inventory, customer service and engineering services, state officials said.

The Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.207 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.

The Job Creation Tax Credit is a performance-based credit. The actual values of the credits are based on the jobs that are ultimately created and the new payroll that’s generated, which will be subject to state verification, according to state officials.