Haier America, a division of the multinational home appliance and consumer electronics manufacturer Haier Group, plans to locate its North American Tech Center in Evansville, Indiana, creating 50 new high-wage jobs by 2015.

Headquartered in New Jersey, Haier America will initially establish a new 30,000 square-foot product research and development tech center in Evansville. With facility renovations to begin immediately, the new tech center is expected to open its doors by early 2015, focusing on support and development for Haier's North American market including appliances, home comfort products and home entertainment products, according to company officials.

"As the world's number one appliance manufacturer, Haier's strategy has been to establish localized R&D and manufacturing bases that allow the company to support each regions' specifics needs," said Adrian Micu, President/CEO of Haier America. "Evansville has an established infrastructure and workforce that we believe will allow us to quickly and successfully build out a tech center focused on designing products tailored for the unique experiences of the U.S. consumer."

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Haier America Trading, LLC up to $1,400,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $450,000 in training grants 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. The city of Evansville is also offering incentives.

"Indiana has quickly become a center for innovation, with companies like Haier America choosing Hoosiers to lead their product development," said Governor Mike Pence. "With their decision, Haier America will gain a central U.S. location, along with taxes and other business expenses designed for affordability. These high-tech jobs are perfect for Indiana, a state where our workforce has the skills and knowledge needed to design products for homes across America."

Haier America currently employs more than 300 associates across the country, with its parent Haier employing more than 70,000 people around the world. Haier America will begin hiring engineers, designers, lab techs, model makers and other professionals this fall.

"The decision by Haier to locate a new research and development center in Evansville and initially hire 50 workers is another boost to our local economy," said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. "Today's announcement is also a symbolic victory for our region and signifies a re-emergence in the appliance industry in a city with a strong manufacturing history of producing refrigerators and large appliances. It is our combined goal that Haier is successful and continues to create more jobs through creation of a world-class tech center in Evansville and the expansion of product delivery in North America."