For immediate release: Oct 02, 2008
Posted by: [IEDC]
Contact: Mitch Frazier
Phone: 317.232.8873
Email:
MFrazier@iedc.in.govHeavy Truck Component Manufacturer to Expand Its Operations in Huntington
HUNTINGTON, Ind. (Oct. 2, 2008) - Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from commercial vehicle supplier Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC today to announce the company's plans to expand its operations here, creating more than 46 new jobs by 2011.
The company, a developer and manufacturer of innovative active safety technologies, air brake charging and control systems, and integrated module solutions for commercial vehicles, will invest more than $8.3 million to expand its northeast Indiana manufacturing operations in preparation for new business contracts with Hagerstown, Ind.-based refuse truck manufacturer, Autocar, LLC.
"When Indiana-based business like Autocar and Bendix come together, Hoosiers win with the new jobs created and the opportunities that come to communities when companies like these succeed," said Daniels.
An affiliate of Munich, Germany-based braking system leader the Knorr-Bremse Group, Bendix employs 400 in Huntington and 2,200 across North America. The company plans to begin hiring additional manufacturing associates and supervisory staff as module production ramps up over the next several months. Bendix opened its Huntington operations in 1980 and over the past decade has invested more than $24 million in local improvements and growth.
"Bendix is proud to continue our tradition of growth as one of Huntington County's leading employers," said Joe McAleese, president and chief executive officer of Bendix. "We're especially grateful to our employees for helping to enable this growth. They deliver products and expertise that are unmatched in the commercial vehicle industry, and we believe they are truly the best the state has to offer. We look forward to launching our relationship with Autocar, and we are confident it will be enhanced by the ongoing support we receive as part of the Indiana business community."
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Bendix up to $275,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $200,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development will also provide the company with training grants totaling $167,000 to provide on-site advanced manufacturing training from Purdue University technicians. The city of Huntington will provide property tax abatement at the request of the Huntington County United Economic Development Corporation.
"This is very good news for Huntington and our county," said Steve Updike, mayor of Huntington. "I am very proud of Bendix and honored the company chose Huntington for its expansion. Our community offers a very strong workforce, and we have a very talented team of professionals working on economic development opportunities through the Huntington County United Economic Development Corporation."
News of the Bendix expansion comes only three days after the company opened its second dedicated modules production facility - a 75,000-square-foot site at 1230 Sabine Street in Huntington. Autocar, LLC has selected Bendix as a provider for complete assembly of the cab for its popular Xpeditor® models. This week, Bendix rolled the first cab module off the assembly line in the newly renovated facility. In addition to the Autocar contracts, Bendix will also increase production of integrated control modules for major school bus manufacturer, Blue Bird.
About Autocar, LLC
Autocar, LLC, headquartered in Hagerstown, Ind., develops, assembles and services an expanding product line of severe- duty trucks, including the low cab forward (LCF) Class 8 Xpeditor® trucks for refuse collection and other applications. The only manufacturer in the industry focused 100 percent on commercial severe-duty markets, Autocar has more than 200 employees, with a singular focus on meeting the unique demands of its customers. That focus has enabled Autocar to show significant continued growth toward its goal of being the premiere severe-duty truck manufacturer in North America. Autocar is affiliated with Highland Park, Illinois-based GVW Group, LLC. For more information, visit
www.autocartruck.com.
About Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, develops and supplies leading-edge active safety technologies, air brake charging, and control systems and components under the Bendix® brand name for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. An industry pioneer, employing more than 2,200 people, we are driven to deliver solutions for improved vehicle performance, safety, and overall operating cost. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, with manufacturing plants in Acuña, Mexico; Bowling Green, Ky.; and Huntington, Ind. For more information, call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit
www.bendix.com.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Nathan Feltman serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. Since Daniels created the IEDC, the state has posted three consecutive years of record-breaking commitments for new jobs. For more information about IEDC, visit
www.iedc.in.gov.
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