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CK Products LLC, a manufacturer and distributor of confectionery supplies announced recently that it plans to grow its operations here, creating up to 40 new jobs by 2014.
The company, which produces and distributes products for the cake decorating, candy making and kitchen supply industries, plans to invest approximately $7.1 million over the next three years to construct an 85,000 square-foot facility in Fort Wayne's Summit Industrial Park II.
"Our goal is to create the most attractive business climate possible so when companies like CK Products need to make growth decisions, they choose Indiana as the right destination," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
CK Products, which currently employs nearly 90 associates in Fort Wayne, plans to begin hiring additional manufacturing and distribution associates early in 2012 as production capacity increases at the facility.
"Indiana and the city of Ft. Wayne have cultivated a business-friendly environment. When combined with the dedicated and tenured workforce that has supported CK Products during its first 45 years, Northeast Indiana remains a great place to grow and flourish," said Steve Burdick, vice president and general manager of CK Products.
Founded in 1965, CK Products manufactures and distributes more than 10,000 individual confectionery products to food producers and retailers.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered CK Products up to $225,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Fort Wayne will consider additional property tax abatement at the request of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance.
"We are eager about the potential of new operations in Fort Wayne," said Mayor Tom Henry. "CK Products' investments will boost the economy in a positive upward direction for Fort Wayne."
CK Products' announced expansion in Fort Wayne comes just more than a week after aluminum recycler and reseller Huntington Aluminum announced plans to invest more than $1.1 million to establish operations in nearby Huntington, creating up to 43 new jobs by 2015.
About CK Products LLC
CK Products, LLC is a wholesale distributor and manufacturer for the cake decorating, candy making, wedding cake and kitchen supply industries. The Company designs and manufactures many of the over ten thousand products they sell, including chocolate molds, hard candy molds, plastic cake pans and various food products. Additional information about the company is available at www.ckproducts.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.
