FREMONT - One of Sandusky County's top manufacturers plans to expand its facility and add new jobs as part of a $13.9 million investment.

Quality Steel Corporation, a subsidiary of LT Corporation, plans to add 40,000 square feet to its 72,000-square-foot plant on Graham Drive in Fremont.

The company will add 22 jobs and retain 164 employees as it undergoes the expansion.

Beth Hannam, executive director of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation, said Quality Steel's plans correspond with the county's emphasis on business retention and growth of its existing companies, even with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hannam said Tuesday the new Quality Steel jobs will pay on average approximately $20 an hour and are primarily welding positions.

Quality Steel Corporation is a manufacturer of anhydrous ammonia tanks and propane tanks ranging from 120 gallons to 2,000 gallons for residential, agricultural, and small commercial industries.

Hannam said LT Corporation acquired American Welding & Tank in 2013 and folded it into Quality Steel Corporation, with a market that includes the Midwest, East Coast, New England and the eastern half of Canada.

According to the county's economic development agency, Quality Steel's expansion in Fremont will include contemporary locker rooms and a spacious cafeteria and break facilities.

The company broke ground in October with a targeted completion date of July 2021. Additional investments will include equipment and utility upgrades.

Quality Steel’s expansion is being assisted with a $75,000 grant from JobsOhio.

“Quality Steel Corp. has experienced significant sales growth throughout the country, including our markets served by our Fremont facility.  A result of this sales growth has been a substantial increase in the employment levels at our Fremont location along with an additional shift of production,” said Dave Kubacki, corporate director of human resources operations at LT Corp., in a release.  

“With increased employment levels, we recognized a great opportunity to update our existing facility with additional parking, dining, locker rooms, offices, and training facilities,” Kubacki said. “The new addition will allow us to repurpose space that previously was used for locker rooms, etc., and enhance our manufacturing processes.

Bob Gross, Fremont's economic development director, said the city was fortunate to have Quality Steel, with the company's investment and job creation another indication that Fremont is a business-friendly community.