Area Development
Whayne Supply Company, a distributor of heavy construction and earthmoving equipment, will invest an estimated $2.45 million on expansion of its Evansville, Indiana, manufacturing facility, creating up to 50 new jobs.

One of the nation's oldest and largest Caterpillar dealerships, Wayne Supply will purchase and equip a 79,730-square-foot facility adjacent to its current Evansville facility at 2504 Lynch Road. The new location, which will support the company's expansion into the mining equipment industry, will house equipment and distribution operations. Facility renovations are expected to begin this summer.

"Indiana leads the nation in job growth because of companies like Whayne Supply," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "The decision to expand in the Hoosier State is further evidence that our quality workforce and pro-business policies have given us a competitive advantage over other states in attracting new investment."

Whayne Supply, which currently employs 140 Hoosiers in Evansville, plans to begin hiring new management, manufacturing and distribution associates to coincide with facility renovations and improvements.

"With leaders at both the local and state levels committed to our expansion efforts, Indiana has cultivated a pro-business environment with its outstanding infrastructure, talented workforce and recent legislation to lower taxes and become a right-to-work state," said Monty Boyd, president and chief executive officer of Whayne Supply. "All of this provides the perfect setting for Whayne Supply's growth plans and made our decision to continue to invest in southwest Indiana an easy one."

Among tax incentives offered to the firm, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Whayne Supply up to $400,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. In addition, the city of Evansville will consider additional property tax abatement at the request of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville.

"Whayne Supply had the option of moving this project out of state, but with the help of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville, the company recognized the value of expanding their manufacturing operation right here in Evansville," said Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke.