A leading turnkey automation solutions provider has announced plans for a major expansion at its Northwest Ohio facility.
To meet the increased demand for custom automation equipment, B-K Tool & Design will construct a 50,000 square-foot addition to its Putnam County facility, significantly enhancing the company’s ability to serve both local and new customers in improving their efficiencies and demands. The company is expected to add 37 new jobs to support the $5.39 million expansion project.
“Thanks to the continued trust from our customers, we are assembling small to large projects that can take up a large portion of our workspace. With the expansion and the recognition of Ohio having a strong reputation in manufacturing, we hope to continue to support our customers’ challenges and give our team the space to continue applying their valued skills."
– Kevin Kahle, President, B-K Tool & Design
B-K Tool & Design was founded in 1981 in Kalida, Ohio, as a small machine shop providing custom components. Today, operating out of an 800,000 square-foot facility, the company offers a wide array of in-house manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, and control engineering capabilities.
Having operated in Putnam County for 44-plus years, B-K Tool & Design has long recognized the strong work ethic and pride in skilled trades, according to Kahle, who cited that as a primary reason for choosing to further invest in the local region.
“Our team members are skilled with many talents, making it possible to take on customers’ challenges,” Kahle said. “Continued investment in the business will continue to attract the most important component of our daily operation, which of course is our team members.”
Kahle also noted collaboration and efforts of local schools, economic development organizations, and workforce boards to empower future generations and continued efforts in driving community development.
“As B-K Tool embarks on its fifth expansion, the company is increasing its capacity to serve clients globally with cutting-edge automation equipment that is designed, engineered and manufactured in-house,” said Amy Sealts, Director, Economic Development, Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation. “Their growth in Kalida not only creates valuable opportunities for high-quality jobs, it also fosters innovation that drives the economy forward for Putnam County and Ohio.”
In addition to development services by the Putnam County CIC, Kahle also highlighted the company’s supportive partnerships with JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership, Port Authority of Northwestern Ohio, Village of Kalida, and Workforce Partnership of Putnam County. Also, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.
“Founded nearly 45 years ago in Kalida, B-K Tool & Design has evolved from a small machine shop to a thriving business employing well over 100 Ohioans. The new, 50,000 square-foot expansion builds additional capacity for B-K Tool and Design to provide manufacturing, electrical, and automated solutions that will improve efficiencies for companies across sector lines.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
The expansion project is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
About the Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.