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Idemitsu Lubricants America Corporation, a manufacturer of automotive and industrial lubricants, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 23 new jobs by 2014.
The company, which produces high-performance lubricants for automotive, motorcycle, off-road and industrial applications, will invest $21.2 million to expand its warehouse to increase inventory capabilities.
"This expansion highlights Indiana's growing international manufacturing industry and our attractive, pro-business climate," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "We applaud Idemitsu's continued investment in Indiana and look forward to working with them as they continue to grow."
Idemitsu currently employs 59 full-time associates at its Jeffersonville facility and plans to begin hiring new associates for their expanded warehouse later this year.
Constructed in 1992, Idemitsu's Jeffersonville plant utilizes blending technology to produce a variety of lubricants for its customers in the United States, Korea and Japan. Idemitsu Lubricants America Corporation is an owned subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan Company of Japan, one of Japan's largest oil and energy companies.
"Idemitsu is proud to be a part of the Jeffersonville community for the past 19 years and to have benefited from the high quality workforce and excellent logistics available in this area. We are excited about expanding our blending and warehousing facilities and adding to our associate base in order to meet our growing business needs," said Tammi Walts, senior vice president of Idemitsu. "The support of the city of Jeffersonville, Indiana Economic Development Corporation and One Southern Indiana has been invaluable. Their assistance in obtaining tax abatements and incentives for these projects have helped Idemitsu to make our expansion plans a reality."
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Idemitsu Lubricants America Corporation up to $150,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $40,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Jeffersonville initially approved additional property tax abatement at the request of One Southern Indiana.
"The city of Jeffersonville is pleased to hear Idemitsu will continue its growth at the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville," said Jeffersonville Mayor Tom Galligan. "When international companies have faith in your community, it speaks volumes globally. Idemitsu has always been a positive presence and a model citizen."
The Idemitsu expansion is the latest in a series of job announcements in the manufacturing industry in Indiana. Last week, Stant, an automotive original equipment manufacturer, announced it will expand in Connersville, creating up to 58 new jobs by 2013. Also, Modern Forge, an aerospace, truck and recreational equipment parts manufacturer, announced that it will locate a new facility in Merrillville, creating up to 240 new jobs by 2014.
About Idemitsu Lubricants
Idemitsu Lubricants America Corporation (ILA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan Company of Japan, one of Japan's largest oil and energy companies established in 1911. Manufacturing high performance lubricants for automotive, motorcycle, off-road and industrial applications, ILA supplies lubricants to many of the largest original equipment manufacturers throughout the world. ILA's Jeffersonville, Indiana manufacturing facility incorporates the latest in blending and packaging technologies refined throughout 18 years of experience in the U.S. and decades of research and development in Japan. To learn more about ILA, visit www.ilacorp.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.
