Fence Manufacturer to Establish Indy Production and Distribution Center Sonco Worldwide, a manufacturer of chain-link and vinyl fencing and barricades, announced that it will establish a manufacturing operation here, creating more than 40 new jobs by 2012. The company, which is among the world's largest manufacturers of chain-link fencing and related products, will invest more than $669,000 to site a new Midwest manufacturing and distribution center in an existing 20,000 square-foot facility on the city's northwest side. "Even though we're experiencing a tough economic environment, we won't stop working to attract new business to Indiana," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "Companies like Sonco remind us that our state continues to be an attractive location for business to grow." The Bladensburg, Md.,- based Sonco, which employs more than 150 at facilities in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, plans to begin hiring manufacturing, distribution and supervisory associates immediately to prepare for the opening of operations in June. The Indianapolis operations will serve the company's growing markets in Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri. "As the Crossroads of America, Indiana is a natural fit for our newest manufacturing center," said Bobby Long, president of Sonco Worldwide. "We've seen a lot of growth in our Midwest business and Indianapolis is the perfect hub to service those emerging markets." Founded in 1976, Sonco originated as a distributor of fencing and supplies to contractors in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In the 1980's the company began manufacturing its own fencing and has grown to become an industry leader, manufacturing and selling more than 25 million feet of chain-link fencing annually. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Sonco Worldwide up to $35,500 in performance-based tax credits and up to $9,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc. will support property tax abatement for Sonco Worldwide before the Metropolitan Development Commission. "It is important for us to work together with companies such as Sonco to ensure they find a comfortable, industry-friendly home in Indianapolis," said Mayor Greg Ballard "We're excited they have chosen to locate here and look forward to seeing them grow and prosper in our community." Sonco's expansion follows the April announcement of apparel merchandiser, MainGate Inc., to invest more than $3.6 million to expand its headquarters operations on the city's west side, creating 75 new jobs. About Sonco Worldwide Sonco Worldwide is a global manufacturer of chain-link and vinyl fencing and barricades. Headquartered in Bladensburg, Md. the company manufactures and sells more than 25 million feet of chain-link fencing at manufacturing facilities in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For more information visit www.soncoww.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 Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
