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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Subsidiaries of Drew Industries Plan $3.65 Million Investment To Construct Manufacturing Facilities in Indiana

08/09/2012
Two subsidiaries of Drew Industries Incorporated, Lippert Components Manufacturing and Kinro Manufacturing, will invest $3.65 million on construction of a new thermo forming operation and an expanded glass tempering and awning plant in the nearby towns of Goshen and Elkhart, Indiana, with plans to create up to 260 jobs by 2015.

Lippert Components and Kinro Manufacturing supply components for RVs and manufactured homes, including chassis, chassis parts, RV slide-out mechanisms, axles, upholstered furniture, mattresses, windows, doors, and thermoformed products.

The decision by the companies to locate these expansions in Elkhart County came after consideration of locations in other states. "Announcements like this continue to reinforce Indiana's reputation as the RV capital of the world," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "The rapid growth of Lippert Components and Kinro is a prime example that our pro-business environment leads to success. We are excited to see them create more new jobs for Hoosiers in north central Indiana."

Lippert Components and Kinro currently employ more than 4,000 full-time workers at locations throughout northern Indiana. The companies, which currently operate 30 facilities in 12 states, plan to begin filling the new manufacturing and administrative positions this fall.

"We are very pleased to locate these new and expanding operations of Lippert Components and Kinro in Indiana," said Jason Lippert, chairman and chief executive officer of Lippert Components and Kinro. "The state of Indiana, Elkhart County and the cities of Goshen and Elkhart continue to show a strong commitment to partnering with companies like ours in the RV industry so that our industry can continue to rebound from the economic downturn and also thrive in the future. We appreciate the support we have received from state, county and local officials. These new and expanded operations will increase our capacity and product offerings."

As an incentive, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc. up to $1.2 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $115,000 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 cities of Elkhart and Goshen will also consider additional property tax abatements at the request of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County.

"The city of Elkhart is very pleased to support Lippert Components and Kinro," said Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore. "The addition of new jobs is welcomed indeed. We really appreciate their investment in our region and this endorsement of the future of the city of Elkhart."

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