Indianapolis logistics firm Backhaul Direct LLC will invest $1.7 million to grow its downtown operation, adding nearly 325 new jobs over the next four years.

State officials announced the expansion plans Thursday morning.

Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered the company as much as $2 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $75,000 in training grants based on the job-creation plans. The city will consider an additional property tax abatement at the request of Develop Indy.

Backhaul Direct now employs about 70 at its 1 Virginia Ave. headquarters, where it intends to lease additional space.

It ranked 13th last year on IBJ’s list of fastest-growing private companies, reporting revenue of more than $18.9 million in 2009, up from $9.4 million in 2007.

Founded in 2004, the company manages transportation and distribution of freight across the United States and overseas—connecting customers who have products to ship with carriers that can deliver it. In 2009, the firm launched BD Managed Services, a subsidiary that manages IT and telecommunications services for companies in the logistics industry.

The company said it will begin hiring customer service, information technology, sales and management positions immediately.

"Backhaul Direct chose to remain in Indiana because of the strong support and commitment from the state of Indiana and city of Indianapolis," Chief Operating Officer Nick Hoagland said in a prepared statement. "Over the past six years, our business has seen tremendous growth because of our great Hoosier work force and the advantages and cost savings that Indianapolis and Indiana have to offer."