A Gelsenkirchen Germany-based manufacturer of industrial hoses, NORRES plans to locate its first North American facility in South Bend, Indiana, creating up to 32 new high-wage jobs by 2018.

Company officials will invest $1.87 million to purchase, renovate and equip a 30,000 square-foot facility at 2520 Foundation Drive, with plans launch its Indiana operations at the end of May. The facility will serving warehouse and production operations for original equipment manufacturers across the country.

NORRES, which develops, produces and sells industrial hoses for the pharmaceutical, food production and plastics industries, plans to begin hiring engineering, production, sales and administrative positions at the new Indiana facility in the coming months.

“To accommodate remarkable growth rates, NORRES sought the support of the German International Chamber of Commerce in Chicago to find the best place to locate its North American facility,” said Burkhard Mollen, chairman of NORRES. “After an extensive site search, NORRES chose Indiana for this facility because of its decisive advantages of location, especially its central geographical position that will make it an optimal transportation hub.”

As an incentive, Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered NORRES North America, Inc. up to $465,000 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. In addition, the city of South Bend will consider additional property tax abatement.

“As NORRES finds its North American home in the Hoosier State, it will also soon stand out in its industry with the advantages it gains in Indiana,” said Gov. Mike Pence. “Just like the many other German companies that already dot our Hoosier landscape, our central U.S. location and affordable cost of doing business are key assets companies gain in Indiana, a state that works for business.”

"This is another great example of cooperation between the state, the city and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce to attract new investment and bring good paying jobs to our community," said South Bend Deputy Mayor Mark Neal. "South Bend, Ind. is on the world map as a great destination for advanced manufacturing. NORRES' precision operations will create the types of skilled jobs that will further South Bend's comeback."