OMI Industries Inc., a provider of environmentally friendly odor management products, announced today that it will expand its production and warehousing operations here, creating as many as 21 new jobs by 2013.
The company, which manufactures odor management and abatement products including sprays, candles and gels for the consumer, commercial, and industrial markets, will invest more than $1.2 million to add 16,000 square feet of space and an additional production line at the Ohio County facility. The new space will include warehouse, production and laboratory areas.
"It's great news when we announce new jobs in any part of our state, but we're especially excited that this investment is happening in Rising Sun," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "We're in constant competition with our neighbors to keep and attract companies like OMI and we're glad that Indiana's pro-business environment is helping them grow in Ohio County."
OMI, which currently employs nearly 20 employees at its distribution operations in Rising Sun, expects to begin hiring additional production associates and supervisors in the first quarter of 2011, once facility upgrades are complete. The new production line will help meet demand for OMI's Fresh Wave line of consumer odor control products.
"The OMI family of products is safe, environmentally friendly, and they work, which has allowed us to grow. We located our production and distribution operations in Southeastern Indiana because of great access to major transportation arteries, the available workforce and the strong work ethic in the area," said Stephen Lattis director of operations at OMI. "This area and Indiana in general is very business friendly and knows what businesses need to be successful."
Founded in 1989, Barrington, Ill.-based OMI employs more than 50 associates at operations in Illinois, Texas, California and Indiana. OMI operates industrial, commercial and consumer divisions and markets its products under the brand names Freshwave, Freshwave IAQ, and Ecosorb.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered OMI Industries up to $170,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. Ohio County will consider additional property tax abatement
"We feel very fortunate to have a 'green' business like OMI in our community," said Rising Sun Mayor William Marksberry. "It's exciting to see a business grow and create new jobs in these economic conditions."
OMI's announced expansion in Rising Sun comes just more than two months after Trenwa Inc. announced it would invest $2.5 million to move a pre-cast concrete manufacturing facility from Kentucky to nearby, Florence, Ind. creating up to 24 new jobs by 2012.
About OMI Industries Inc.
OMI Industries is a privately-held corporation founded in 1989 comprised of industrial, commercial, and consumer divisions. Its international corporate headquarters are in the greater Chicagoland-area at 18-6 E. Dundee Road, Suite 101 in Barrington, Ill., 60010. OMI has manufacturing, warehousing and a research and development facility is South Houston, Texas; Rising Sun, Indiana and Ventura, California, respectively.
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.