Fifty new jobs are coming to Fremont as two employers invest more than $10 million combined, according to tax abatement requests filed with the Steuben County town.
Metaldyne BSM LLC is investing almost $8.7 million in equipment to increase production of parts needed by a key customer.
The auto parts supplier now employs 133 in its factory at 307 S. Tillotson St., where it makes balance shafts with oil pumps. The parts help offset engine vibration.
Equipment installation began late last year and is scheduled to stretch into February 2014.
Metaldyne plans to create 27 jobs with wages ranging from $20.21 an hour to $36.05 an hour. The new positions will include four supervisory positions, three skilled labor jobs and 18 semi-skilled labor posts.
Metaldyne BSM LLC is a subsidiary of Plymouth, Mich.-based Metaldyne Corp., a Tier One supplier to the auto industry.
Less than 1 mile away, another existing employer is expanding.
New Horizons Baking Co. is investing $1.5 million in equipment to add a fourth production line for English muffins.
The company, which employs 87 workers at 700 W. Water St., sells sandwich buns and English muffins to retailers and restaurants, including McDonald’s.
New Horizons is also creating 23 new jobs, according to its tax abatement request.
The Norwalk, Ohio-based company plans to hire semiskilled workers at $14.90 an hour.
The new equipment is expected to be installed by Oct. 1.
The Fremont Town Council is scheduled to vote on the requests July 16.
Linda Fulton, a council member, described the investments as a big deal in the small community. Fremont, which is one hour north of Fort Wayne, has about 2,100 residents.
“The economy is getting better,” she said. “And the contracts are out there.”
