A leading third-party logistics provider in Northwest Ohio has announced plans for a new headquarters in Defiance to support expected growth in the coming years. Keller Logistic Group will invest $5 million and create 194 new jobs as part of the project.

The company will take over an existing 31,000 square foot facility, invest in renovations and upgrades, while consolidating office personnel from three locations. Earlier today, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a Job Creation Tax Credit for the company.

Company CEO Bryan Keller credited an outstanding workforce as a primary reason for the decision to maintain its headquarters in Defiance.

“We have a very talented workforce that has led to our growth and success. And we want to be that employer in Northwest Ohio that keeps young talent here and provides opportunities for them. Our purpose as a company is to deliver for our people, customers, and community. This investment will provide a first-class working environment for our employees, allows us to provide the best customer service possible to our customers, and grants us the space to grow and create additional viable jobs for the community.”

– Bryan Keller, CEO of Keller Logistics

Keller also noted that Ohio has become a business-friendly state, giving him confidence to continue investing in the region.

“Keller Logistics’ new, consolidated Ohio headquarters speaks to this state’s strong business climate, outstanding talent and ideal location to serve this sector. Keller Logistics' new headquarters will support the company’s rapid national growth while bringing 194 new jobs to Class-A office space at Geneva Boulevard.”

– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President & CEO

Keller Logistics Group began as a single truck and trailer trucking company in 1978. Since then, it has grown to more than 300 trucks and 1,200 trailers. It handles more than 100,000 shipments each year and operates nearly 4 million square feet of warehouse space. 

With more than 750 employees, the company has diversified into an asset-based 3PL serving transportation, warehousing, distribution and contract packaging needs of manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers across the U.S.

Collaboration among economic development partners including JobsOhio, the Regional Growth Partnership and Defiance County Economic Development also helped in moving the project forward.

“With much anticipation, our community has been waiting to see what kind of company would occupy the show-stopping Geneva Blvd office complex in Defiance. We are beyond excited that Bryan Keller and his team will make this their new headquarters and create even more high-paying positions."

– Erika Willitzer, Executive Director of Defiance County Economic Development

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.

JobsOhio is a private nonprofit economic development corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion. The organization also works to seed talent production in its targeted industries and to attract talent to Ohio through Find Your Ohio. JobsOhio works with six regional partners across Ohio: Dayton Development Coalition, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.