Area Development
Israel-based Omen USA, a manufacturer of aluminum parts for the automotive industry, plans to locate its first North American production facility in Richmond, Indiana. The company expect to create up to 100 new jobs by 2019.

“Omen’s decision to invest in a project in Richmond, Indiana was taken to fulfill the commitments to our American clients of localizing Omen’s production, constructing a modernized facility near our customers and offering close support while minimizing supply chain risks,” said Gabi Rezinovsky, Vice President of Business Development for Omen Casting Group. “The support of the state and local authorities are an important factor in deciding on Richmond, Indiana.”

Omen USA, a subsidiary of the Israel-based Omen Casting Group, will initially invest $16 million to renovate and equip a 76,000-square-foot facility in Richmond, with plans to begin operations by the end of the year and invest an additional $7 million into the facility by 2021.

As an incentive, Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Omen USA up to $400,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $150,000 in training grants 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. Wayne County and the city of Richmond will consider additional incentives at the request of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County.

The global high pressure die casting company, which directly employs more than 240 associates at facilities in Israel, Portugal and Russia, will manufacture aluminum parts for drivelines, steering components and oil pumps at its new Indiana facility, which will be installed in cars for American and German automotive manufacturers.

“Omen USA had choices when evaluating options for its first North American facility,” said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. “Indiana has been working diligently with Israeli business and government leaders to build a meaningful relationship, and today’s news is a direct result of our work together. This week we’re continuing to strengthen our relationship with Israel’s top industries, and today that work is bringing Omen USA to Indiana and 100 new Hoosier jobs to Richmond.”

“I’m thrilled Omen USA chose Richmond for their first North American facility,” said Richmond Mayor Dave Snow. “This project demonstrates that Richmond is a great choice for companies looking to locate either in the Midwest or to establish their first North American presence. This is excellent progress and with more work this will only be the beginning of more investors who realize the potential of Richmond and Wayne County.”