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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Sailrite Enterprises Expands Columbia City, Indiana, Manufacturing Center

04/15/2021
Sailrite Enterprises Inc., a global provider of fabric, tools, hardware and sewing supplies for sailors, plans to expand operations in Columbia City, Indiana. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs by the end of 2024.

The company will invest $3.25 million to expand its existing 71,000-square-foot headquarters and equip it with expanded supplies of stainless steel rigging, webbing, fabric and leather, as well as new foam packaging machinery and material handling equipment. This 32,500-square-foot expansion will enable Sailrite to grow its team and serve expanded markets in the DIY sewing arena. The company expects construction to be completed by the end of 2021.

"Sailrite is thrilled to be growing in Columbia City," said Sailrite Vice President Matt Grant and President Hallie Grant. "Both the county and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation have helped to make this expansion possible. It is by the hard work and dedication of our employees and the enthusiasm of our worldwide DIY customer base that such a rapid expansion is possible for our third-generation family business. This expansion will enable us to widen our customer base, and we look forward to serving a larger audience of enthusiastic and resourceful DIYers."

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Sailrite Enterprises Inc. up to $300,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. The IEDC also offered up to $100,000 in conditional tax credits from the Hoosier Business Investment tax credit program based on the company’s planned capital investment in Indiana. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired and qualified capital investments are made. The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation and Northeast Indiana Works approved additional incentives.

"Indiana's business-friendly climate and skilled workforce continue to make Indiana the perfect place for companies like Sailrite to grow and thrive," said Interim Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Staton. "We're excited Sailrite is choosing to propel its growth in Indiana and grateful for the company's commitment to creating quality career opportunities in northeast Indiana."

Established in 1969 as a resource for sailors sewing sails and canvas coverings, Sailrite has grown into a global sewing, notions and fabric source for the marine, home, outdoor living, RV and hobby markets. The company, which currently employs 60 associates in Indiana, is hiring in Columbia City for positions in order fulfillment, customer service, social media marketing, videography, customer support, accounting, human resources and purchasing generalists.

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