Instrument Maker Adding Jobs
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA South Whitley-based instrument manufacturer is expanding to the tune of 30 new jobs by 2017. Fox Products says the $2 million investment is the result of a growing domestic and international customer base.
May 7, 2014
News Release
South Whitley, Ind. — Fox Products, a manufacturer of double reed woodwind instruments, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 30 new jobs by 2017.
“From the honk of a car horn to the low tones of a Fox Products bassoon, Hoosier companies are singing Indiana’s tune as the best place to build the world’s products,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “From its top tax climate to its consistently balanced budgets, Indiana’s business climate is in perfect harmony with what companies need to grow. And with Hoosiers’ innovative design and careful craftsmanship, Indiana companies like Fox Products are reaching a crescendo here in a state that works.”
The homegrown-Hoosier company will invest $2.3 million to renovate and equip its 29,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in South Whitley. The new equipment, most which will be installed by December, will allow the company to better serve a growing domestic and international customer base with its line of bassoons, contra bassoons, oboes and English horns. Fox Products, which currently employs approximately 120 full-time Indiana associates, plans to begin hiring in October.
“Fox Products is very fortunate to be located in South Whitley, where there is a great rural work ethic and an extremely supportive state and local government,” said Tony Starkey, president of Fox Products. “Local and state economic development leaders are constantly engaged and work well with businesses to position them for success.”
Founded in 1949, Fox Products manufactures double reed woodwind instruments for musicians around the world. Selling more than 2,300 instruments annually, the company distributes its product through an extensive dealer network. With the expansion, Fox has a goal of increasing production to more than 3,100 instruments annually by 2017.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Fox Products up to $140,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $40,000 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. Whitley County approved additional incentives at the request of the Whitley County EDC.
“The Whitley County Commissioners and Council are pleased to support the expansion of long-time employer Fox Products in our community,” said George Schrumpf, chairman of the Whitley County Commissioners. “This announcement demonstrates once again how Whitley County companies perform at a high level on a world stage.”
Fox Products' growth comes on the heels of custom plastic injection molder Precision Plastics' announcement just last month that it plans to expand its Whitley County operations. The plastic injection molder plans to invest $265,000 to construct a 12,000 square-foot warehouse adjacent to its current 75,000 square-foot plastics facility, creating 15 new jobs by 2017.
About Fox Products
Founded in 1949 by Hugo Fox, Fox Products manufactured and delivered 12 bassoons during its first year. In 1961, Hugo's son Alan joined the company and guided the business and product development to international renown. Fox instruments are played in some of the world’s most revered orchestras including the Chicago Symphony and the New York Philharmonic, as well as by many top European players. For more information, visit www.foxproducts.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: Indiana Economic Development Corp.