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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Chrysler Group Invests $374 Million In North Center Indiana Facilities, Creating 1,250 Jobs

02/28/2013
Chrysler Group, LLC plans to invest $374 million to expand its Kokomo, Indiana operations in the north central region of the state, creating up to 1,250 new jobs by 2015.

The company will invest approximately $212 million to install additional tooling and equipment to produce eight- and nine-speed transmissions in three of its Kokomo plants, adding up to approximately 400 new jobs. Work on the facilities is expected to begin in the second quarter of this year, with equipment and tooling installation anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter.

In addition, Chrysler Group will acquire the former Getrag facility in Tipton, Indiana and invest $162 million to establish an additional assembly site for the nine-speed transmission. The site is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2014. The company will create up to 850 new positions as part of the project.

“I want to thank the state and local officials who worked with us to make these investments possible. Together, and with the support of our employees, I can assure you that it is truly a privilege for Chrysler to be able to contribute to the growth and development of Indiana,” said Sergio Marchionne, chairman and chief executive officer of Chrysler Group.

“Chrysler’s choice of Indiana for this landmark project puts all eyes on the Hoosier State today,” said Gov, Mike Pence. “We are thrilled with the number of career opportunities for Hoosiers, and this marks another important step in the resurgence of the U.S. automotive industry. With our convenient location, talented workforce and pro-business policies, it is no surprise that Indiana is an integral part of this comeback story.”

With this announcement, Chrysler Group has confirmed total investments of more than $1.6 billion in Kokomo for production of the eight- and nine-speed transmissions as well as various other process improvements at all four facilities in the area. The company currently employs more than 6,100 in Kokomo.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Chrysler Group, LLC up to $11,500,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $200,000 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. In addition cities of Kokomo and Tipton have approved additional tax abatement.

“Chrysler’s future and the future of Kokomo and north central Indiana are tied together, and that future has never looked brighter,” said Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight. “Today’s announcement is a product of the partnership Mr. Marchionne has developed with Chrysler and state and local officials to revitalize this company, and it shows. It is seen on the factory floors and in the showrooms where sales of Chrysler automobiles outpace competitors.”

“Both our region of the state and our community have been greatly strengthened by this announcement,” said Tipton Mayor Don Havens. “Tipton welcomes this Chrysler project and the attendant investment with enthusiasm and an appreciation for the economic development engine it promises to be.”

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