A full-service provider for plastic injection molded products has announced a $13.5 million expansion in Northwest Ohio aimed at increasing production capacity and supporting growing customer demand.
EPC-Columbia will take over a 300,000 square-foot facility in Fremont, providing additional space for production, equipment and workforce operations to support both its Whirlpool partnership and expansion into the automotive sector, serving clients such as Honda, Ford and GM.
The expansion into Sandusky County will create 150 new jobs and will include upgrades to facilities, installation of additional machinery, and workforce development initiatives to ensure the team has the necessary skills for operational excellence.
Earlier today, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a Job Creation Tax Credit for the company.
“This expansion allows us to increase production capacity, diversify our product offerings, and better meet the needs of both consumer appliance and automotive markets,” said Reza Kargarzadeh, Company President & CEO.
The company operates an existing facility in Bellevue, Ohio, which opened in 2019. Founded in 1994 with headquarters in West Des Moines, Iowa, EPC-Columbia now employs 3,000 team members. The company has grown to more than 600 injection molded machines across its eight manufacturing facilities ranging from 100 to 4,400 tons.
Just last year, EPC-Columbia announced an expansion in Bellevue to support the Ford E-Transit All-Electric van. Construction and facility upgrades are near completion for that project, and the company is actively integrating the specialized equipment and processes needed for electric vehicle production.
For this Fremont project, company officials recognized the strong talent pool with the right skills and experience critical to operations. Northwest Ohio also provides significant logistics advantages, according to Kargarzadeh, who cited proximity to key customers, transportation networks and major customer hubs.
“While we have other locations across the country, this site uniquely balances access to skilled labor, cost-effectiveness and strategic positioning, making it an ideal choice for expanding our operations and meeting growing customer demand."
– Reza Kargarzadeh, EPC-Columbia, President & CEO
This new location also helps EPC-Columbia support emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, giving the company a first-mover advantage in these high-growth segments, Kargarzadeh added.
EPC-Columbia highlighted the strong collaboration with local and state economic development groups, including Sandusky County Economic Development, the Regional Growth Partnership and JobsOhio, helping to identify opportunities, navigate resources and ensure the project aligns with regional economic goals.
“The Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation warmly welcomes EPC to Fremont, Sandusky County, and extends our gratitude for their investment in our community,” said Beth Hannam, executive director, Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation. “We are excited to see EPC breathe new life into the former Inoac building through their innovative project. Filling this vacant facility will undoubtedly boost our local economy and contribute to the growth and vitality of our community.”
“EPC-Columbia’s decision to grow again in Northwest Ohio is a testament to the region’s skilled workforce and deep manufacturing expertise,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “This $13.5 million investment and 150 new jobs in Fremont demonstrate how Ohio’s economic development network creates the conditions where innovative companies can expand, diversify and lead in advancing next-generation industries.”
The Fremont expansion project is expected to begin operations in January 2026, with preparatory work, equipment installation and workforce development underway to ensure a smooth and efficient launch.
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.