IT Company Plans Fort Wayne Expansion
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFort Wayne-based Aptera Software Inc. is planning to invest nearly $800,000 in a plan that could create 17 jobs by 2016. The software development and web design company currently employs more than 70 workers. December 10, 2013
News Release
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Aptera Software, Inc., a software development and web design firm, announced plans today to expand its operations, creating up to 17 new jobs by 2016.
The homegrown-Hoosier company will invest $785,000 to renovate and equip its current 13,500 square-foot building located at 201 West Main St. in Fort Wayne. The renovations, which are expected to be complete by January, will allow the company to accommodate additional employees and streamline work processes.
“Whether you need to innovate a new technological solution or overcome a business challenge, hire a Hoosier,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “With university programs across Indiana designed to meet companies' high-tech needs, I am confident that Aptera will continue to find the resources it's seeking for growth here in Indiana, a state that works for business.”
Aptera, which currently has more than 70 employees, has already begun to hire software developers, network engineers and graphic designers, as well as expand its marketing and sales teams. As part of the project, Aptera plans to train and equip its new and current employees. Interested applicants can visit www.apterainc.com for more details.
“Both my business partner and I are from Fort Wayne and bringing high-tech jobs to the area is a very rewarding feeling,” said T.K. Herman, president of Aptera. “Many people have the misconception you have to travel to Chicago or Cincinnati or Atlanta to find talented high-tech talent. We believe the talent exists right here in Indiana and what isn't available locally, we'll bring to the area.”
Founded in 2003, Aptera provides software development services, web marketing solutions and core infrastructure consulting to companies throughout the Midwest and across the United States. The company, which has an additional office in Nashville, Tenn., implements, integrates and supports Microsoft products.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Aptera Software, Inc. up to $150,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 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 Fort Wayne supports this project at the request of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance.
“Aptera is a tremendous asset to our community. We appreciate their commitment to investing and growing in Fort Wayne,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “I continue to be encouraged by the positive momentum in our city. Fort Wayne is a leader in retaining and attracting jobs and businesses.”
Aptera's announcement comes on the heels of news that Indiana continues to hold its AAA credit rating from all three bond agencies: Standard and Poor's, Moody's and Fitch Ratings. Indiana has maintained a AAA rating with all three agencies since April 2010.
About Aptera
Aptera is a software development and web design firm headquartered in downtown Fort Wayne, IN. At the heart of Aptera is a team of IT professionals who work to create custom-tailored solutions for a wide variety of businesses. Enhancing Aptera's services and offerings is an award-winning graphic design team that delivers intuitive user interfaces, stunning client websites and brilliant marketing material. Aptera's software and web solutions are second-to-none, featuring prime functionality and visual appeal.
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.