Kimura Foundry America, a global manufacturer of alloy castings for the automotive and industrial sectors, will locate its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Shelbyville, IN. As part of its growth, the company plans to create up to 20 new jobs by 2020.
The company, which is a subsidiary of the Japan-based Kimura Group, will invest $8 million into its new Indiana operations, with plans to open by December 2018. The company has purchased a 10-acre property and plans to break ground in October on a 35,200-square-foot facility, which will house high-tech 3D printing equipment. The new facility will allow the company to produce high-value, complex castings and molds for its quickly-growing U.S. clients in the automotive and pump manufacturing industries.
“When we were searching for our first U.S. manufacturing partner, Indiana offered exactly what we were seeking,” said Yoya Fukuda, Ph.D., president of Kimura Foundry America. “That is because Indiana is strategically located in the epicenter of the industries we serve. The state’s highly developed transportation networks and its highly-skilled manufacturing workforce were an excellent match. Indiana has a long history of welcoming Japanese companies to the state, and we are looking forward to joining the many other Japanese companies in Shelby County.”
Kimura Group employs more than 830 associates at its 10 facilities across three campuses in Japan and at its North American sales office near Chicago. The company uses a proprietary process for casting molds using 3D printing technology, allowing it to manufacture products including stamping die castings and machine and industrial tool castings. These products are used in automotive engine parts, pumps, compressors and energy components.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Kimura Foundry America Inc. up to $225,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $25,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. The incentives are performance based, so until employees are hired, the company is not eligible to claim them. The city of Shelbyville approved additional incentives at the request of the Shelby County Development Corporation.
“Indiana is a global destination for companies from around the world looking for a place to locate, grow and add new jobs,” said Jim Schellinger, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. “Kimura’s decision continues a long trend of international companies, including many from Japan, choosing to make Indiana their U.S. home. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to develop a close friendship with Japan, and we’re excited to welcome our friends at Kimura Foundry America to Indiana.”
“We are very pleased that Kimura has chosen Shelby County as their first U.S. venture,” said Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun. “Association with our sister city has shown that personal relationships are important. The high-tech nature of this industry is very exciting for our community.”
Approximately 280 Japanese manufacturing establishments currently call Indiana home, which employ more than 58,000 workers.