Nickolas Asset Management and Kreate to Invest $100 Million in Manufacturing Facility in Tiffin, Ohio

A $100 Million Leap into Advanced Manufacturing

On September 1, 2026, a significant announcement was made by Nickolas Asset Management and Kreate—a $100 million investment aimed at establishing an advanced manufacturing facility in Tiffin, Ohio. This ambitious project spans an impressive 542,000 square feet, located at 458 Second Avenue.

This investment encompasses not only the building itself but also the machinery, infrastructure, tooling, and the initiation of operations that will focus on the manufacture of a range of consumer and professional products created by Kreate. The transformative project is set to officially commence production by October 1, 2026, with some machinery already arriving on site.

Nickolas Reinhart, the founder and owner of Kreate, stated, "Skilled trades plus technology is the future of American manufacturing." He emphasized that to succeed, companies must integrate an array of technologies with the expertise of skilled personnel. The Tiffin facility, according to Reinhart, is designed to bring these two elements together, creating an effective and competitive manufacturing operation within the industry.

With cutting-edge technology at the core, the new facility will deploy 32 ENGEL injection-molding machines that are equipped with iQ weight-control technology. These machines will be integrated with innovative systems including pick-and-place robots and FANUC collaborative robots, allowing for a streamlined and efficient production process characterized by autonomy in material handling and packaging.

Another standout feature is the implementation of Krevera's advanced AI technology which will enhance the operational capabilities of the manufacturing process. This system is poised to improve production speed and quality, while also minimizing material waste and operational inefficiencies. The AI platform will ensure that various production stages are interconnected, enabling real-time adjustments for improved performance.

Kreate expressed great confidence in their partnership with ENGEL, with Reinhart praising Dr. Stefan Engleder's team for their commitment to delivering a fully integrated manufacturing solution tailored to their speed and performance expectations.

An additional advantage of the Tiffin location is its unparalleled combination of infrastructure, which includes robust electrical capacity, access to rail, and ample warehouse facilities. This infrastructure will facilitate quick implementation of new technologies, allowing Kreate to launch operations much more rapidly compared to starting from scratch. The facility has been strategically designed to allow for future expansions as demand for products increases.

With a rail spur holding 25 railcars, material supply will be optimized, improving logistics and reducing costs related to freight and resin management. Furthermore, extensive on-site warehousing bolsters the facility's capacity for high-volume production and efficient inventory management.

Significantly, the facility will also house an internal tool-and-die maintenance and repair center. This will enable Kreate’s skilled trades team to maintain, repair, and optimize production tools directly on-site, thus minimizing downtime and expediting product launches.

Through this expansion, Kreate estimates that approximately 120 new jobs will be created across various roles including skilled trades, engineering, automation, maintenance, and logistics. This investment not only showcases the company's dedication to innovation but also its commitment to contributing to the local economy and providing opportunities for skilled labor.

About Kreate

Kreate focuses on revolutionizing product categories to meet the changing demands of consumers. By merging creativity, engineering, and manufacturing expertise, Kreate aims to deliver innovative and practical solutions to the market.

About Nickolas Asset Management

Nickolas Asset Management (NAM) operates as a family office that leverages permanent capital to support essential businesses through strategic investments in human resources and processes, ultimately designing superior products.