D.A. Inc., a Japanese-owned company that manufactures plastic injection molded parts for the automotive industry, will invest $10.6 million to expand its manufacturing center, creating up to 21 new jobs by 2016 in Charlestown, Indiana.

According to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, D.A. Inc. and its parent company, Kojima Industries, will construct and equip a 38,000-square-foot facility at the River Ridge Commerce Center to restart manufacturing operations in Charlestown. The facility will supply its Midwest customers, including Toyota and Honda, with plastic clamps, clips and protectors.

“The sincere hospitality and support shown to us over the years by the city of Charlestown, Clark County, the State of Indiana, One Southern Indiana and the residents of this community is what attracted us here in 1988 and it remains the primary reason we chose to expand our operation here,” said Kenji Kanii, President/COO of D.A. Inc. “We are invested in this community and its citizens, not only as a business partner, but also as our friends and neighbors.”

The new facility will complement D.A. Inc.’s existing distribution center and corporate office in Charlestown. The company, which also has a facility in New Mexico, currently employs 20 full-time associates in Indiana and expects to begin hiring for technical and manufacturing positions next year.

As an incentive, Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered D.A. Inc. up to $150,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. At the request of One Southern Indiana, the River Ridge Development Authority will consider additional property tax abatement and incentives.

“Indiana continues to create a low-cost, low-regulation business environment that is garnering attention and attracting new companies to the state from across the globe,” said Eric Doden, President of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “But D.A. Inc.’s commitment to its community and its choice to expand here demonstrate the ongoing importance of our state’s foundation. The values we hold and live every day as Hoosiers are vital to our economic success.”

“This is the sixth time Kojima Industries and D.A. Inc. have announced substantial growth in our community,” said Charlestown Mayor Bob Hall. “Because they are such a tremendous corporate citizen and community partner and have a long history providing jobs for Hoosier families, we are delighted Charlestown has once again been selected as the best place for their investment. We appreciate everything they have done here for over two decades and we look forward to many more years of their continuing success.”