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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Elkhart Plastics Invests $3.8 Million To Expand South Bend, Indiana, Headquarters

11/28/2012
Elkhart Plastics, Inc., a rotationally molded plastic parts manufacturer, will invest $3.8 million to expand its headquarters in South Bend, Indiana, creating up to 50 new jobs by 2015.

The company, which manufactures molded plastic parts for the agricultural, marine, commercial vehicle and recreational vehicle industries, will add 25,000 square feet to its existing 83,000 square-foot headquarters in South Bend. As part of the project, Elkhart Plastics will purchase new manufacturing equipment for the facility, which is expected to be operational next year.

“Our growth in South Bend can be attributed to our growing customer base and the proximity that the South Bend location provides us to those customers,” said Jack Welter, Elkhart Plastics chief executive officer. “We place a great deal of value in our relationship with the city of South Bend and the state of Indiana and appreciate the effort that went into allowing us to expand.”

Founded in 1988, EPI originally provided services to the recreational vehicle industry with water and holding tanks in Elkhart County. Today, with additional facilities located in Washington and Colorado, the company produces components for marine furniture, heavy truck and commercial construction vehicle markets. The firm, which currently employs 290 Hoosiers at its Middlebury, Elkhart and South Bend facilities, is currently hiring additional manufacturing and assembly associates in South Bend.

“The expansion of a homegrown Hoosier company like Elkhart Plastics is another great growth opportunity for North Central Indiana and an indication of the talented workforce available to companies who choose to call Indiana home,” said Dan Hasler, Secretary of State and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

As an incentive Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Elkhart Plastics, Inc. up to $250,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $35,000 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 South Bend will consider additional property tax abatement.

“We are pleased to assist Elkhart Plastics with the upcoming expansion of its manufacturing operations in South Bend,” said South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “As a homegrown company with an international footprint, Elkhart Plastics’ choice to invest locally reinforces South Bend’s position as a center for precision manufacturing and our commitment to helping responsible employers grow, create jobs and expand opportunities in the local economy.”

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