Kao USA Inc. has announced plans to relocate the company’s corporate headquarters and more than 200 employees from its current facility in Cincinnati to the downtown area, and make significant investments in its research and development and manufacturing facilities. Pending further negotiations and final review and approval by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, Kao expects to enter an agreement in which the State of Ohio provides certain public incentives in exchange for Kao’s commitment to invest up to $21 million in facility improvements, retain 500 jobs and create 50 new ones. Kao also expects to enter into a similar agreement with the City of Cincinnati.