Creative Works, a designer and manufacturer of themes, props and attractions for the entertainment industry, announced plans to expand its operations in Morgan County, creating up to 70 new jobs by the end of 2022.
"Small businesses like Creative Works drive our state's economy forward and create quality career opportunities for Hoosiers," said Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). "This expansion will ensure Creative Works' long-term success in Morgan County, allowing the company to grow and increase its client base around the world. We're grateful for Creative Works' commitment to central Indiana, and as a state, we'll do our part to ensure Indiana's entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to foster innovation and support 21st century growth among small businesses."
The homegrown Hoosier company will invest $1.1 million to continue growing, equipping and renovating its headquarters at 350 Bridge St. in Mooresville. The company's construction plans, which are still being finalized, will complement its four-building, 33,000-square-foot campus. Creative Works will also purchase and install new creative design and 3D modeling equipment and custom fabrication machines at its existing facility, and plans to make upgrades to its research and development lab over the next few years. The company's new space is expected to be operational by the end of 2021.
This expansion will allow the company to meet growing demand for its products and services from customers in the entertainment industry, which include theme parks, museums, family entertainment centers, restaurants and other tourist attractions. In fact, Creative Works was recently named one of Inc.’s 5000 fastest growing companies in the U.S. for the second straight year, with revenue growth of 159% over the past three years. The company, which has 67 full-time employees in Indiana, plans to hire for sales and marketing associates, project managers, 3D modeling and graphic designers, fabricators and attraction installers as it continues to grow. Interested applicants may apply online.
“As born-and-bred Hoosiers, Creative Works' owners believe it's important to support and give back to the state and community that has helped the company succeed," said Danny Gruening, vice president of marketing at Creative Works. "Working to build our business in Mooresville and Morgan County makes perfect sense to us as we continue to grow and add to our team.”
Founded by Jeff Schilling in 1997, and currently led by Armando Lanuti, Creative Works designs, manufactures and installs props and attractions like laser tag arenas, escape rooms, miniature golf courses, arcade-style attractions, virtual reality and e-sports games. The company custom creates approximately 300 projects annually, delivering a “Wow Effect” to customers around the world.
“The town of Mooresville enjoys a diverse economic environment, with companies across a wide variety of industries choosing to locate and grow in our community,” said Mooresville Town Council President Tom Warthen. “It’s extremely exciting to see homegrown companies like Creative Works invest in their operations and workforce. With its strong core values, Creative Works will continue to be a tremendous partner for Mooresville, Morgan County and the entire state for many years to come. Thank you to Creative Works, as well as Integrity Investment, for your commitment and confidence in our community.”
The IEDC offered Creative Works up to $575,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans and up to $100,000 in conditional tax credits from the Hoosier Business Investment (HBI) tax credit program based on the company’s planned capital investment in Indiana. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The Mooresville Town Council and Redevelopment Commission will consider additional incentives at the request of the Morgan County Economic Development Corporation.