ANGOLA, Ind. (July 19, 2010) - Steuben County firms Fuel Systems of Angola and Steffy Wood Products announced today that they will expand their operations here combining to invest more than $4.8 million and create more than 170 new jobs by 2013.
"It's a great day when Indiana can not only welcome a new company, but also celebrate the continued growth of an existing firm," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "This investment of capital and new jobs is further affirmation that northeast Indiana continues to be a location of choice for growing a business."
Fuel Systems of Angola, a startup manufacturer of automotive and recreational fuel components and assemblies to Tier I and Tier II manufacturers, will invest more than $2.5 million to lease and equip an existing 140,000 square-foot facility at 1501 Wohlert St. creating up to 140 new jobs.
"We are truly excited about the opportunity presented by the state of Indiana, Steuben County and the city of Angola. The EDC team, from the top down has turned the Angola site from an afterthought to a focal point of growth," said Les Thornton, president of Fuel Systems of Angola. "I am looking forward to starting the process of building the FSA team and starting operations."
Steffy Wood Products, a manufacturer of early childhood wood furniture for schools and daycares, will invest more than $2.3 million to add 20,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space at its existing Angola facility, creating up to 38 new jobs. The company supplies furniture to educational dealers throughout the United States.
"Angola is an ideal area for our manufacturing. The Steuben County location allows easy access to major interstate highways which is critical as we ship products to every state in the U.S. The Steuben County EDC and Indiana EDC were very helpful and played a key role in our decision to stay in Angola," said John Steffy, president and general manager of Steffy Wood Products.
Both Fuel Systems of Angola and Steffy Wood Products, plan to begin hiring additional production and supervisory associates later this summer as new work is phased in. Additional hiring will take place over the next few years.
"This is a great day for the city of Angola. We are very pleased that John Steffy has decided to expand Steffy Wood Products in Angola. We are also excited that Fuel Systems of Angola has chosen our city to locate their business. The 30 jobs from Steffy Wood Products and the 140 jobs that Fuel Systems of Angola are bringing will be a huge boost to our economy," said Angola Mayor Richard Hickman. "Our thanks to the state, Julie Cole with Angola Economic Development and Gary Nielander at the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation for their help with the project."
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Fuel Systems of Angola up to $750,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. Steffy Wood Products was offered up to $80,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $20,000 in training grants. The city of Angola will provide property tax abatement for both projects at the request of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation.
Indiana's manufacturing industry received an overall "A" grade in the 2010 Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card, released in July by Conexus Indiana. The state also received "A" grades for its global manufacturing position and tax climate.
About Fuel Systems of Angola
Fuel Systems of Angola is a startup manufacturer of automotive and recreational fuel components and assemblies serving Tier One and Tier II manufacturers. The company will be headquartered in Angola, Ind.
About Steffy Wood Products
Steffy Wood Products is a manufacturer of wood classroom furniture and other children's furniture. The company, headquarterd in Angola, Ind. employs more than 50 associates and reports sales of more than $4 million. Steffy Wood Products supplies educator dealers throughout the US.
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.