Logistics Company Expanding in Indianapolis
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOne of the largest privately-held companies in Indiana has announced plans to expand its central Indiana operations. Palmer Trucks will invest more than $17 million to acquire and equip the former Celadon Group headquarters on the east side of Indianapolis and create up to 220 jobs by the end of 2022. The company says the 140,000-square-foot facility will house a diesel technician training center, parts warehouse, body shop, corporate offices and a full-service Kenworth dealership.
In addition to the new facility, which will be known as Kenworth of Indianapolis – East, the company plans to update its west side Indianapolis dealership as well. The company says the investments will expand its services to the trucking industry while “increasing long-term efficiencies and output within its fabrication, hydraulic power and truck equipment division.”
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Director of Corporate Operations Jacob Nichols says the Celadon facility was ready-made for the company.
“There’s not a lot of property within the area that has the capacity to work on trucks. There’s retail establishments. There’s warehousing, but not very many buildings that have truck bays in them and so that was an extremely attractive thing. It would’ve taken four years to build a new building, acquire the land, do the zoning and what have you. It would’ve taken a significant amount of capital and a significant amount of time in order to get that done. So when this property was available, we were able to acquire it.”
Palmer Trucks employs more than 650 people, including some 350 in Indiana. The company has begun hiring for diesel technicians, parts logistics, sales and support positions.
The new facility is expected to be fully operational this fall.
“Despite the pandemic, we have remained safe and operational to serve our customers,” John Nichols, chief executive officer of Palmer Trucks, said in a news release. “Our economy depends upon trucks to keep moving forward, and this expansion project will enable us to keep more trucks on the road, ultimately increasing customers’ truck uptime. We’re here for our customers and community. This investment will allow us to better serve the trucking industry for not only the Indianapolis market, but all trucking customers across the region. We’re excited for this opportunity and the positive impact to the Indianapolis community through job creation and skills training.”
The IEDC has offered Palmer Trucks up to $2.9 million in conditional tax credits, which the company will not be eligible to claim until Hoosier workers are hired for the new jobs.
Director of Corporate Operations Jacob Nichols and President Scott Nichols explained how the company is able to expand during a pandemic.