Just days into Governor Daniels' jobs mission to Asia, Vanguard National Trailer Corporation, a subsidiary of the Shenzen, China-based China International Marine Containers Group Ltd., announced plans to expand its operations in Monon, creating up to 20 new jobs by 2011.
The company, which manufactures a variety of semi truck trailers and operates a network of service centers, will invest more than $600,000 to upgrade machinery and make existing facility improvements at its White County manufacturing facility.
"Vanguard National's expansion in White County is great news as we continue our jobs hunting mission in Asia," said Daniels from Hangzhou, China. "A key objective of our trip is to cultivate existing relationships with companies like Vanguard so that when they are ready to invest again, they'll think of the friends they've made in the Hoosier State."
Vanguard National Trailer Corporation, which currently employs more than 300 manufacturing associates in Monon, plans to continue hiring additional production and supervisory associates in the fourth quarter as facility upgrades are completed and new production lines are phased in.
Founded in 1980, China International Marine Containers opened the Monon manufacturing operation in 2003. CIMC is among the world's largest manufacturers of trailers, containers, tanks and airport equipment, with manufacturing operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Vanguard National Trailer Corporation up to $18,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. White County will consider property tax abatement at the request of the White County Economic Development Group.
"Vanguard has been a great corporate partner for our community and we're very supportive of their growth," said Bryan Rinker, president of the Monon Town Council. "Anything that helps them increase their market share, we're in favor of."
Vanguard National Trailer's expansion announcement in Monon comes less than a week after Governor Mitch Daniels departed on a trade mission to China and Japan with a delegation of Indiana state and local government officials and business leaders. The trip, which will include meetings with local business and government officials, marks the governor's second visit to China and fifth to Japan since 2005. The state delegation's trip is entirely funded through private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.
About Vanguard National Trailer Corporation
Based in Monon, Ind., Vanguard National Trailer Corp. is a subsidiary of China International Marine Container (Group) Ltd., a leading global manufacturer and marketer of transportation equipment and the world's largest producer of marine containers.For more information, contact Vanguard National Trailer Corp. at 1-888-253-3008, or (219) 253-2000, or visit the company online at www.vanguardtrailer.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. Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.