Sign Maker Planning Indiana Jobs
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAngola-based Illuminated Image has announced plans to expand in Steuben County and add 20 jobs by 2017. The sign manufacturer wants to pump more than $1 million into its operation, which currently employs three dozen. April 21, 2014
News Release
ANGOLA, Ind. – Lomont Holdings Co., Inc. d/b/a Illuminated Image, a wholesale supplier for retail sign companies, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 20 new jobs by 2017.
“In Indiana, we have illuminated a clear pathway for business success and growth,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “The future for companies like Illuminated Image is bright in Indiana, where they find a central location to conveniently reach customers nationwide. With Indiana's skilled manufacturing workforce and affordable business climate, companies can continue to invest in their operations here with confidence that this is a state that works for business.”
The homegrown-Hoosier company will invest $1.1 million to lease, renovate and equip its current 50,000 square-foot facility in Angola. Illuminated Image, which currently employs approximately 36 full-time Indiana associates, plans to begin hiring for production associates next month. Interested applicants may apply through Northeast Indiana Works or online at www.indianacareerconnect.com.
“Illuminated Image is grateful to have its manufacturing operations in northeast Indiana,” said Von Lomont, president of Illuminated Image. “We're fortunate to be in an area where good work ethics have been ingrained in its people. We feel comfortable that we will be able to secure high quality individuals for the positions that will become available in the upcoming months.”
Founded in 1989, Illuminated Image builds custom awnings, channel letters, illuminated sign cabinets and monument signs. Its customers serve retailers and restaurants including Applebee’s, J.Crew, Dominos and Long John Silvers. Illuminated Image is also a member of the International Sign Association.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Lomont Holdings Co., Inc. d/b/a Illuminated Image up to $50,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $25,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Angola approved additional tax abatement at the request of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation.
“We are extremely pleased that Illuminated Image is planning an expansion in the city of Angola,” said Angola Mayor Richard Hickman. “Illuminated Image has been a long time corporate citizen creating over 45 well-paying jobs in our community. With this expansion they will be creating more jobs that are very much needed in our area. We look forward to helping them continue being a successful and growing business in Angola.”
Illuminated Image follows a growth trend for northeast Indiana companies. Just last month PakLab, a flexible packaging manufacturer, and Technology Solutions, a firm specializing in medical software and archery equipment, made plans to expand their operations in Steuben County, together creating more than 40 new jobs.
About Illuminated Image
Illuminated Image is the nation's premier full-line wholesale source to sign and awning companies. Illuminated Image’s outstanding craftspeople are dedicated to excellent quality and efficiency in creating our wide range of sign products. The company uses state-of –the-art technology to create precise products for its customers. The business operates out of a 50,000 square feet facility. Product innovation and facility improvements are on-going priorities at the company. For more information, visit www.illuminatedimage.com.
About IEDC
Created in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mike Pence. Victor Smith serves as the Indiana Secretary of Commerce and Eric Doden is the president of the IEDC.
The IEDC oversees programs enacted by the General Assembly including tax credits, workforce training grants and public infrastructure assistance. All tax credits are performance-based. Therefore, companies must first invest in Indiana through job creation or capital investment before incentives are paid. A company who does not meet its full projections only receives a percentage of the incentives proportional to its actual investment. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
Source: The Indiana Economic Development Corp.