Manufacturer Adding Jobs in Clark County
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowElkhart-based NIBCO Inc. has announced plans to add about 40 jobs at its Charlestown facility. The more than century-old manufacturer says it will invest approximately $5.6 million in the expansion.
December 2, 2014
News Release
Charlestown, Ind. — One Southern Indiana announced NIBCO INC., a leading international provider of valves, fittings and piping products, received a personal property tax abatement from the Charlestown City Council yesterday evening as the company considers investment plans.
The proposed project will include a capital investment of approximately $5.6 million and result in the creation of approximately 40 full-time positions. This comes on top of the 140 existing jobs that will be retained, representing a total annual payroll of more than $6.7 million.
“We are pleased to continue our investment in the Charlestown facility,” said General Plant Manager Doug Kieper. “The investment we are making in equipment allows us to invest in our associates as well. The training support we will receive allows NIBCO to provide manufacturing-based training and education to support our steadily increasing sales. In addition to providing opportunities in the community, this project will have a positive effect on our employees' capacity to advance through the training we will provide.”
“We are happy that NIBCO, a long-time employer and community supporter in Charlestown, has chosen to invest in this facility,” said Charlestown Mayor Bob Hall. “The purchase of new equipment coupled with the training being provided will ensure that the employees of NIBCO continue to advance in the company, resulting in opening new job positions and growing the economy of our city and the region.”
NIBCO has a manufacturing history that spans over a century and has operated under five generations of family leadership and employee ownership. The company opened its Charlestown facility in 1996. Over the years, NIBCO has survived and thrived during the toughest economic times through exceptional product quality and adherence to its core values: safety, integrity, teamwork and continuous improvement.
“In today’s global economy, Indiana’s business environment has all the tools necessary for companies to compete at the highest level,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Businesses like NIBCO operating around the world know firsthand that the grass is greenest right here in the Hoosier State, thanks to an elite workforce, robust infrastructure and a tax and regulatory climate that’s among the best in the nation.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered NIBCO up to $150,000 in a Skills Enhancement Fund two-year training grant based on the company’s job-creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired and trained, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.
“We are delighted that NIBCO is making this investment in their workforce and our community. The dedication they have shown to the training and education of their workforce is a true investment in our economic future,” said Wendy Dant Chesser, President and CEO of 1si. “The purchase of the equipment and training will enable NIBCO to continue to serve their industry in an increased capacity while providing new opportunities for the citizens of Southern Indiana.”
“NIBCO plans on providing both in-house and outsource training for NIBCO associates in manufacturing methods, as well as advanced injection mold manufacturing techniques,” said Kieper. “Participants in our Advanced Training Program will be expected to contribute 3-5 hours each week into the community and to continue employment with NIBCO for not less than 2 years. We are pleased with the continuing support from the State of Indiana, the City of Charlestown, and One Southern Indiana.”
About One Southern Indiana:
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 from the Economic Development organization serving Clark and Floyd counties and the Chamber of Commerce. 1si’s mission is to provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area.
Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in the initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. More information on One Southern Indiana is available at: www.1si.org
About NIBCO:
The company, originally named Northern Indiana Brass Foundry Works, was founded in 1904 in Elkhart, Indiana by Casper Schweitzer. Since that time, NIBCO has operated under five generations of family leadership and employee ownership and expanded to operate 10 manufacturing plants and distribution centers throughout the United States, Mexico and Poland. The NIBCO Charlestown facility manufactures NIBCO BlazeMaster Fire Protection Fittings, Corzan HP Pipe Fittings and Chemtrol Thermoplastic Valves. More information on NIBCO is available at: www.nibco.com
Source: One Southern Indiana