Wabash National Expanding in Frankfort
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowLafayette-based Wabash National Corp. (NYSE: WNC) is planning to expand in Frankfort and add more than 100 jobs within five years. The transportation manufacturer says the success of its diversification strategy and continued composites business growth have led to the company outgrowing its space in Tippecanoe County. Wabash National plans to invest more than $2 million into the new facility, which it hopes to have up and running by the end of the year. The company says it will begin hiring next month. September 5, 2014
News Release
LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Wabash National Corporation (NYSE: WNC), a diversified industrial manufacturer and North America's leading producer of semi-trailers and liquid transportation systems, today announced plans to invest more than $2 million to expand production operations for its Wabash Composites business with a facility in Frankfort, Indiana.
“In support of the continued success of our strategic growth and diversification efforts, we are extremely pleased to expand our Wabash Composites operations to Frankfort,” said Dick Giromini, president and chief executive officer of Wabash National. 'We want to express our appreciation to Frankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes and city officials for their support on this project, and look forward to joining area businesses as an economic contributor and community supporter.”
The expansion will accommodate continued future growth with the ability to hire additional personnel. Wabash National expects to create more than 100 jobs over the next five years.
“We are pleased to welcome Wabash National Corporation to Frankfort as a new and valued corporate citizen,” Mayor McBarnes said. “Their decision to expand their operations here further strengthens our economic development landscape while revitalizing a formerly vacant site at 901 West Morrison Street. The creation of the City's Economic Development Plan continues to serve Frankfort well in positioning us to attract outstanding corporate leaders such as Wabash National. This economic development tool, along with the teamwork between the Frankfort City Council and my administration, low cost utilities, fiber optics and a business-friendly environment makes our City an appealing corporate home. Jobs will be created, the variety of businesses we host in Frankfort is being enhanced and a very positive new partnership is being secured; what a win-win for our City, our residents and our newest community member, Wabash National. We look forward to years of progress together.”
Wabash National will begin the hiring process in October, with initial operations expected to begin in December. More information about available jobs and how to apply will be forthcoming.
Located approximately 25 miles southeast of its Lafayette headquarters, Wabash National's 100,000-square-foot facility will include manufacturing operations for a variety of diverse Wabash Composites products, including semi-trailer aerodynamic products, mobile storage containers, mobile offices and other cargo units. The plant, located at 901 W. Morrison Street, was previously occupied by Sun Chemical.
About Wabash National Corporation
Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Wabash National Corporation (NYSE: WNC) is a diversified industrial manufacturer and North America's leading producer of semi-trailers and liquid transportation systems. Established in 1985, the company specializes in the design and production of dry freight vans, refrigerated vans, platform trailers, liquid tank trailers, intermodal equipment, engineered products and composite products. Its innovative products are sold under the following brand names: Wabash National, Transcraft, Benson, DuraPlate, Walker Transport, Walker Defense Group, Walker Barrier Systems, Walker Engineered Products, Brenner Tank, Beall, Garsite, Progress Tank, TST, Bulk Tank International and Extract Technology. To learn more, visit www.wabashnational.com.
About Frankfort
Home to approximately 16,400 residents and the capital seat of Clinton County, Frankfort boasts a warm, small town atmosphere blended with a proactive business-friendly environment and one of the State’s only downtown Ivy Tech campuses. Wrapped around City government's four cornerstones of Neighborhood Revitalization, Economic Development, Communications and Citizen Voice, the community's neighborhoods are being beautified while its world-class industrial park is being leveraged to secure and create not only jobs, but great careers. An excellent school system, Hot Dogs sports teams, nationally recognized library, active Main Street businesses, City-County airport, six City parks and access to nine major highways and roads add to an appealing and inviting community in which to live, work and play.
Source: Wabash National Corp