Auto Truck Group, a work truck upfitter specializing in the design, manufacture and installation of truck and van equipment, announced plans to build an all-new production facility in southwest Allen County. The Illinois-based company will invest more than $6 million in the 72,865-square-foot facility, enabling Auto Truck Group to continue growing and to create up to 50 new jobs by the end of 2022.
“The state’s robust manufacturing sector and our strong pipeline of talent makes Indiana the perfect destination for job creators like Auto Truck Group to grow,” said Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). “The company’s commitment to invest in the Allen County community will support efforts across northeast Indiana to propel the region’s economy, while creating even more quality career opportunities for Hoosiers.”
The company, which specializes in the design, manufacture and installation of truck equipment for a wide variety of customers, trades and industries, continues to secure new clients. To support its growth, the company will construct and equip a new facility in the Stonebridge Business Park in Roanoke, increasing its existing footprint in Allen County by 50,000 square feet. The new facility, which is expected to be complete by May 2020, will house the company’s manufacturing operations as well as new office space. The company plans to relocate from its current facility at 13710 Lower Huntington Road once the new facility is complete.
“Our Fort Wayne facility and its employees have played a vital role in our company’s continued success, and as a result of this unprecedented growth, we’ve quickly outgrown our current location,” said Pete Dondlinger, President of Auto Truck Group. “Fort Wayne is an ideal location for Auto Truck Group, and this new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will further enhance our production capabilities as we continue to develop customized vehicles for every type of vocational application to meet the needs of our customers.”
Founded in 1918, Auto Truck Group transforms truck bodies and chassis into functional, task-specific work trucks for a wide range of customers across the construction, energy and utility, telecommunications, municipal and state government, and railroad industries. Designing and manufacturing more than 42,000 commercial vehicles each year, Auto Truck Group serves customers throughout the United States and Canada through its 12 manufacturing facilities, offering ship-through services for several of the top original equipment manufacturers.
"Auto Truck Group's decision to grow its footprint in Allen County not only recognizes the strength of our manufacturing sector, but also reflects the skill of our workers, the quality of life in our community and the competitiveness of our business climate," Allen County Commissioners Rich Beck, Therese Brown and Nelson Peters said in a joint statement.
Auto Truck Group currently employs more than 900 individuals across North America, including 76 in Indiana, and plans to hire additional technicians to handle electrical, hydraulic and equipment installation for truck upfits. Interested applicants may learn more and apply online.
The IEDC offered Auto Truck Group up to $300,000 in conditional tax credits 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. Northeast Indiana Works will provide the company with additional hiring and training assistance. Allen County Council will consider additional incentives.