Evansville Tech Center Takes Over Old Coke Plant
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowNew Jersey-based Haier America has announced where it will open its new $5 million North American tech center in Evansville, which is expected to create 50 jobs. The facility will locate in a former Coca-Cola Bottling plant. October 27, 2014
News Release
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Haier America, a division of the multinational home appliance and consumer electronics manufacturer Haier Group, recently announced plans to locate its North American Tech Center in Evansville, creating 50 new high-wage jobs by 2015. Today, Evansville officials are pleased to announce that the 30,000 square-foot research and development tech center will be located at 901 W Pennsylvania Street.
“After a thorough search process we are pleased to have chosen the location for our new Tech Center at 901 W Pennsylvania Street,” said Adrian Micu, president and chief executive officer of Haier America. “We have already begun recruiting a group of highly talented engineers with a wealth of appliance experience and a diverse set of research and engineering skills and experience and the effort will continue over the next several months.”
Known by Evansville natives as the former Coca-Cola Bottling plant and distribution center, Haier plans to invest approximately $2.8 million dollars in renovations to the fa?ade and interior, constructing Class A office space designed to inspire. The historic facility was chosen by the company for its affordability, proximity to Evansville’s urban core, and its flexibility to build out office space and a fully functioning lab and model shop.
“We’re very pleased Haier America is committing to the community both economically as well as embracing a part of our history by locating their tech center in the old Coca-Cola bottling plant,” stated building owner, Ron Bonger. “Haier America will be an excellent addition to Evansville, their people have been tremendous to work with, and we very much look forward to welcoming them as a new corporate citizen to our city.”
With renovations beginning immediately, the new tech center is expected to be up and running by early 2015. Initially, the Tech Center will focus on commercialization of Haier products for the U.S. Market, followed by new product development.
“The opening of a new Tech Center near Downtown Evansville, I believe, is only the beginning of Haier America’s presence in our community for decades to come,” said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, “The company has already started hiring talent, and success of the Tech Center will set the stage for additional growth and more jobs in the future.”
The economic impact received by the Evansville community, as a result of the high paying new jobs and investment by Haier will total in excess of $10 million a year.
Haier America is currently hiring engineers, designers, lab techs, model makers and other professionals. Since the initial announcement last month, Haier has already made offers to 19 talented individuals with immediate plans to hire an additional 25.
Lease negotiations for this project were handled through FC Tucker Commercial Real Estate agent, Ken Newcomb, Jr.