Abrasive Blasting and Coating Services, a provider of corrosion control services, announced today that it will site its newest production facility here, creating 12 new jobs by 2013.
The company, which conducts surface preparation and applies corrosion resistant coatings to industrial products and wind energy components, will invest $167,000 to equip and improve a 25,500 square-foot building at 910 Summa Dr. in Elkhart.
"We welcome this new investment from Abrasive Blasting and Coating Services and are glad that they see Indiana as an affordable place to start a new operation," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
ABC Services plans to begin hiring production workers and supervisory associates early in 2011 as operations commence at the Elkhart County facility.
"We have seen a tremendous need for the kinds of specialized services that ABC can provide. Our manufacturing facility in South Carolina is running almost at capacity now and we would like to expand in order to take advantage of potential business opportunities. Many of our customers are located in the Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois area. It makes sense from a timing and a cost standpoint to get 'close to the customer,'" said Chris Wert, chief financial officer of Abrasive Blasting and Coating Services. "After researching and visiting many communities in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana, we determined that Elkhart was the perfect mix of the right location, the right people and the right infrastructure. We are very excited about becoming a part of the Elkhart community."
Headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., ABC Services specializes in providing corrosion protection to wind energy components including hubs, gearboxes and generator frames. The company has serviced more than 5,000 parts for customers including General Electric, in the wind energy industry.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Abrasive Blasting and Coating Services up to $55,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Elkhart will be granting a low-interest capital loan to support the project.
"Companies continue to demonstrate that Elkhart is a prime location for manufacturing and distribution. We are excited that Abrasive Blasting and Coating Services will be joining our community," said Mayor Dick Moore. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we welcome them into our community with open arms."
ABC Services' announced location in Elkhart comes just more than one month after orthopedics manufacturer Biomet Inc. announced it would invest more than $26 million to consolidate manufacturing operations from New Jersey to its North Central Indiana campus, creating 278 new jobs in nearby Warsaw.
About Abrasive Blasting and Coating Services
Abrasive Blasting and Coating Services is a family-owned provider of corrosion control services for customers in the industrial products and energy markets. Headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C. ABC Services offers customers more than 14 years of experience.
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.