Flex-N-Gate Corporation d/b/a Flex-N-Gate Covington, an original equipment manufacturer of automotive parts, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 68 new jobs by 2012.
The Illinois-based company, which also provides product engineering, project management and testing services, has already begun investing $5.1 million to purchase robotic welding cells and improve supporting infrastructure at the company's 440,000 square-foot facility at 11778 W. 600 S. in Covington.
"Flex-N-Gate's continued success in our state gives testament to Indiana's impressive and thriving manufacturing and automotive industries," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "With pro-growth policies centered on job creation, the Hoosier State continues to see expanding businesses succeed in our world-class business climate."
Flex-N-Gate, which currently has approximately 65 full-time employees at its three Indiana locations, has already begun hiring additional welding technicians, robotic technicians, machine operators and assembly associates.
"Flex-N-Gate originally located in Indiana approximately 20 years ago and we appreciate the support the state of Indiana and our local governments have provided to us during that time," said Tom Clarkson, chief financial officer of Flex-N-Gate. "Indiana provides us a favorable business climate and allows us to operate in a good location geographically to our customers. We are pleased to be able to expand our operations in Indiana."
Incorporated in 1956, the company originally produced stock racks for pick-up trucks which featured a flexible roll-up rear gate. Flex-N-Gate, which supplies parts to more than 40 automobile companies worldwide, has recently garnered national accolades including the Nissan Quality, Honda Delivery and Renault Industrial Performance awards.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Flex-N-Gate Corporation d/b/a Flex-N-Gate Covington up to $350,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $57,950 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 Warren County Council will consider additional property tax abatement.
"Warren County is so fortunate to have a robust industrial employment base," said John Comer, president of the Warren County Council. "The expansion and scope of the new robotics line at Flex-N-Gate is in perfect sync with Warren County's ongoing focus towards a more technically-skilled employment base that enhances the average wage for the county workforce."
Flex-N-Gate joins the growing list of automotive manufacturers expanding their operations in the Hoosier State. Earlier this month, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana announced plans to grow its Gibson County operations. As part of the project, the company will invest $131 million to consolidate its Highlander mid-size SUV production to Princeton, creating approximately 400 new jobs by 2013.
About Flex-N-Gate
Flex-N-Gate, the 12th largest automotive supplier according to Automotive News, employs over 9,500 people at 48 manufacturing and 6 product development and engineering facilities throughout Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Spain. Flex-N-Gate's products include: large body and chassis structural assemblies; full bumper and fascia systems, brackets, receiver hitches; exterior trim components, running board systems; scissor and screw jacks, tools, spare tire hoists; hinges, checks, and latch systems; interior and exterior plastics and lamp systems.
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. Dan Hasler serves as the chief executive officer 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.