The Smithers Group plans to relocate its North American Information business unit from Portland, Maine to Akron, Ohio, as part of a two-phase strategic growth initiative. According to Smithers, 12 positions will move to the Akron area in phase one, with an additional 10 new jobs planned during the following year.

“Moving a growing business is challenging but we have worked hard to ensure our clients will experience a seamless transition,” said Rav Lally, president of the Smithers Information business.

The two-phase plan includes an operational overlap between the two sites, with the existing Portland office open through the end of June 2015.

“The staff in Akron is expected to be a combination of existing and new employees,” Lally added. “Our recruiting in Akron has begun and we plan to fill the open positions starting in January and as soon as qualified candidates are identified.”