An Ohio manufacturer plans to move its headquarters from Defiance to Fremont, where it began operations in 2009, creating up to 44 jobs by 2018.

Koester Metals, Inc., a manufacturer of sheet metal fabrications and enclosures, announced plans today through the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to relocate its headquarters.

The company will invest $2.7 million to move headquarters and operations to its existing 130,000-square-foot facility in Fremont.

Koester Metals currently employs 16 in Fremont, a news release said.

In June 2009, the company said it would open a steel-manufacturing center that would create up to 60 jobs in Steuben County, taking over the 130,000-square-foot facility at 301 W. Water St. once occupied by Rittal Inc.

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