EFP Corporation, an Elkhart, Indiana-based manufacturer and converter of expanded foam protective packaging, announced plans to establish operations in Evansville, creating up to 29 new jobs by the end of 2021.
"We're excited EFP has selected Vanderburgh County for its fourth manufacturing facility," said Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). "EFP's commitment to add an additional Indiana manufacturing operation is a testament to the pro-growth business climate that we work hard to provide every day. Indiana leads the nation in manufacturing because of companies like EFP, and we can't wait to watch its continued success in our state."
EFP will invest more than $2.1 million to lease a 100,000-square-foot shell building located in the Vanderburgh Industrial Park. In addition, EFP plans to invest nearly $4.5 million in production equipment to design, mold and fabricate expanded foam products serving the consumer protective packaging, thermal temperature assurance, recreational vehicles, building and construction markets. The company plans to be operational in the new facility by November 2019.
“EFP chose Vanderburgh County as a central location to serve customers accessed by the I-69 and I-64 corridor and within four or five hours of Evansville,” said EFP Corporation President Keith Arenz. “This convenient location will enable us to expand our customer reach and be in closer proximity to our southern Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee and Kentucky customers. We’re excited to begin operations in Vanderburgh County.”
The company, which employs 200 team members at its other three facilities, expects to begin interviewing for positions in manufacturing and professional services late August.
Founded in 1954, EFP operates as a subsidiary of J.B. Poindexter & Co., which is a privately held, diversified manufacturing company with operating subsidiaries throughout North America. In addition to the company’s headquarters operation in Elkhart, EFP has a location in Decatur, Indiana as well as facilities in Alabama, and Tennessee. With the addition of this new facility in Evansville, EFP serves customers in mid-America, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
"EFP Corporation’s decision to locate and invest in Vanderburgh County after thoroughly investigating other locations is a strong show of confidence in our community and specialized local workforce," said Ben Shoulders, president of the Vanderburgh County Commission. "We thank EFP for choosing Vanderburgh County as the best site for the company’s future growth and prosperity.”
The IEDC offered EFP Corporation up to $125,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The Vanderburgh County Council will consider additional incentives recommended by the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville.