JOHNSTOWN, Ohio (WCMH) — A global industrial coatings manufacturer is expanding to Johnstown, investing at least $20 million into the Licking County city in the company’s most significant U.S. expansion to date.

Kansai Helios Coatings makes coatings, resins and chemicals to protect wood, cars and buildings from the elements. It first expanded to the U.S. in 2024, but the Johnstown facility is poised to be its most significant American venture. The company said its more than $20 million investment, which will create 48 new jobs by 2030, is expected to double the company’s revenue by that year.

Kansai Helios traces its work in the coating industry to 1864 in Germany. Over more than 160 years, the company has expanded into a world-wide coating company, with reach across two dozen countries. The company also has locations in Blauvelt, New York, and Tucker, Georgia.

“Our investment in the Columbus Region represents a major step forward in our growth strategy,” Bastian Krauss, executive vice president and executive director of the Kansai Helios Group, said. “With this strategic move, we are quadrupling our production capacity.”

Krauss said the company is also drawn to the area’s talented workforce, and that the facility will embrace sustainability and excellence.

Johnstown Mayor Donald Barnard said the expansion reflects the growing attraction of central Ohio for manufacturing. JobsOhio agreed, and said 42% of projects The Columbus Region is attracting involve international businesses.

“This expansion not only brings high-quality jobs to our city but also demonstrates that Johnstown is an ideal environment for global manufacturers seeking long-term success,” Barnard said. “We are honored to welcome Kansai Helios and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our economy.”

Johnstown has become home to a number of investments, including Intel’s $28 billion Ohio One facility, which delayed construction once more last week.