Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from information technology firm, Zuna Infotech today to announce the company's plans to launch its headquarters here, creating more than 400 new jobs by 2012.
The newly established provider of technology engineering and I.T. services will establish its initial home in Kokomo's Inventrek Technology Park, a high-tech business incubator and state-certified technology park.
"New jobs in Kokomo, new jobs in Huntington, 700 in all; days like this prove that preserving a low-tax, pro-business environment is the best way to fight our way out of this national recession," said Daniels. "If ever a community deserved good economic news, Kokomo does. Now let's work to make this the first of a long run of new jobs and more diverse businesses in one of Indiana's truly great cities."
Zuna Infotech's founding partners, Anju Bajaj and Jim Harter, have developed a business model focused on providing technology functions and business services often outsourced to other countries at a competitive rate locally. The company plans to provide services in product engineering, IT and research with a focus on security, healthcare and technical support.
"Zuna Infotech is excited to be basing our operations in Kokomo. We are very impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by everyone we've worked with and look forward to becoming part of Kokomo's long-standing tradition of innovation," said Anju Bajaj, chief executive officer of Zuna Infotech.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Zuna Infotech up to $1.16 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $145,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance coordinated support from the city of Kokomo and Howard County, who will provide local incentives totaling more than $500,000, including local training grants for new employees, tax incentives and relocation support based on new employment.
"Zuna is the type of company that is a great fit for our local business environment, bringing a new level of employment and investment to our city and county and diversifying our economy," said Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight. "This success is also a message that we are an attractive and progressive city that is open to new and innovative businesses."
Zuna Infotech's announcement to create jobs in Kokomo comes on the heels of last week's U.S. Department of Labor report noting Indiana led the nation in job growth for September and was one of only seven states to gain jobs during the month.
About Zuna Infotech
Zuna Infotech is a service provider offering innovative technology and business solutions to its clients. We are driven by our founding principles of sustainability, reliability and commitment. Our team is comprised of seasoned IT and outsourcing professionals, with experience in managing and leading teams, while focusing on cost, quality and schedule of client projects. Zuna offers comprehensive services in product engineering, IT Services, and custom research, with a focus on security, healthcare, and technical support. For more information on Zuna Infotech, visit www.zunainfotech.com, or contact us at info@zunainfotech.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.