Koester Metals, Inc., a manufacturer of sheet metal fabrications and enclosures, will invest $2.7 million to relocate its headquarters from Defiance, Ohio to its 130,000 square foot facility in Freemont, Indiana, with plans to create up to 44 new jobs by 2018.

KMI also plans to relocate fabricating equipment from Ohio and update the Steuben County facility’s software and technology. The company, which currently employs 16 Hoosiers in Fremont, plans to begin hiring additional welders, laser operators and brake press operators in April.

"KMI is the latest company to look across the border and take notice of Indiana’s business-friendly climate," said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "Our fiscal stability, robust infrastructure and strong workforce have made the Hoosier State the best place to do business in the Midwest."

"We are greatly looking forward to this move," said Matthew Koester, operations manager of KMI. "While we are blessed to have many 20- and 30-year employees planning to make the move with us, we look to continue growing our family with continued development of the best and brightest workforce available. The state of Indiana and local governments were very important in helping KMI make the decision to move our business. We look forward to continued growth and success within the Fremont area and to further develop our roots within the community."

As an incentive, The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Koester Metals, Inc. up to $240,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. In addition, the town of Fremont will consider additional tax abatement at the request of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation.

"KMI has been an excellent local company for Fremont since they initially leased the Fremont building in 2009," said Steve Brown, president of the Fremont Town Council. "We are happy to see them acquire that facility, relocate their headquarters and consolidate operations in Fremont. This is a testament to the advantages of operating a business in Fremont and the state of Indiana."