‘Next Generation’ Expansion in Westfield
Westfield Mayor Andy Cook (podium) will begin work on the committee later this year. (file photo)
A subsidiary of Japan-based Toyota Industries Corp. has unveiled plans to build a new manufacturing center in Westfield. Indianapolis-based Bastian Solutions LLC will invest more than $8 million to construct the 90,000-square-foot facility, creating up to 87 high-wage jobs by 2020. The global systems integrator and consulting firm, which was recently acquired by Toyota Advanced Logistics, provides material handling and robotic automation for large-scale distribution, according to the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
The IEDC says the facility will include 10,000 square feet of office space and will house the company’s growing advanced manufacturing operations. Construction is expected to begin in November with operations anticipated to begin early next year.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Westfield Mayor Andy Cook calls the investment the "next generation" of the city’s economic development plan.
"Initially, what we began with was Grand Park and it’s working very, very well," said Cook. "That was merely to add to our quality of life here, to make a place that attracts a workforce and families. So, the next step was to reach out outside of the sports industry and to look for companies that need a high-level workforce, that need a great place to live so they can work here."
The manufacturing center will be Bastian Solutions’ fifth Indiana facility. In addition to its corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, the company has manufacturing and sales offices in Evansville, Fort Wayne and Greenfield.
"Toyota Advanced Logistics and Bastian Solutions are honored to join the Westfield community, and we look forward to building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that will not only provide jobs but also become a catalyst for the local economy," Michael Romano, president of Toyota Advanced Logistics said in a news release. "Toyota has a long history in Indiana, and we hope to utilize that experience to continue growing, innovating and making the state a globally recognized center for advanced manufacturing."
Bastian Solutions currently employs more than 600 throughout the world, including 200 in Indiana. The company plans to begin hiring for manufacturing and engineering jobs at the Westfield facility beginning in early 2018.
"We’re not just seeking attention, we’re seeking investment," Governor Eric Holcomb told Inside INdiana Business. "Companies like Bastian make days like today extra special because they continue to choose to grow their operations and expand their operations right here in Indiana. We’ll continue to focus on what makes them successful. That’s a good partnership and that’s making sure we’re supplying their company with a strong workforce and that’ll be a strong focus of ours as the years ahead unfold."
The IEDC has offered Bastian Solutions up to $1 million in conditional tax credits and up to $88,750 in training grants. Additional incentives are slated to be considered by the Westfield City Council.