The move marks MetoKote’s first office in Germany. The 11,500-square-meter site will include a production facility, warehouse, and administration building. MetoKote expects to begin production as soon as July 2010, with plans to eventually employ 50 workers at the plant. The rapid turnaround time was made possible by Germany's efficient investment framework.

"We are very much looking forward to producing in Germany,” said DeWayne Pinkstaff, MetoKote’s president and CEO, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony. “The site is optimal for us, as it is located in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan area, one of the most dynamic areas in Europe. The region provides us with an excellent opportunity to reach new customers.”

One major factor in MetoKote's decision to invest in Mannheim was its close proximity to customer and agricultural equipment manufacturer John Deere. The agricultural giant has had its tractor factory and European Headquarters in Mannheim since 1956. Dr.Volker Knickel, John Deere Werke Mannheim factory manager, was also in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony.

MetoKote supplies various coating applications, such as electrocoating, or e-coat, powder coating, and liquid paint, for a variety of industries. Among them: agriculture, appliance, automotive, construction equipment, industrial equipment, recreational, and truck and bus. MetoKote was assisted throughout the investment process by Germany Trade & Invest along with Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar GmbH.