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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Jager Group Plans $4.5 Million Expansion At Its La Porte, Indiana, Manufacturing Campus

04/17/2014
Jäger Group, a Germany-based firm that specializes in rubber extrusion components used in window, door and sunroof assemblies for the automotive industry, will invest $4.5 million to expand operations of its subsidiary Jaeger-Unitek Sealing Solutions in La Porte, Indiana, creating up to 52 new jobs by 2016.

The extrusion manufacturer will lease, renovate and equip a 137,000 square-foot facility at 115 Koomler Drive in La Porte, increasing its operational space with the new facility by 50,000 square feet. The facility, which will be fully operational by August, will allow the company to add three additional thermoplastic extrusion lines and provide space for further expansion of its rubber and plastic extrusion capabilities.

“We believe Indiana is the best place for this investment. The state is much stronger logistically and from an infrastructure point of view than many other parts of the country,” said Marius Jäger, Managing Director of the Jäger Group. “We look forward to supporting Jaeger-Unitek as it continues to grow.”

Jaeger-Unitek, which currently employs approximately 75 full-time Indiana associates as part of the Jäger Group, has already begun recruiting, hiring and training for engineering, finance, production and maintenance positions.

“The automotive industry is in high gear in the Hoosier State,” said Governor Mike Pence. “After visiting Jaeger-Unitek in La Porte earlier this month, it was a privilege to hear directly from Jäger Group’s leadership in Germany that their next growth plans are on the horizon. Indiana’s manufacturing job growth is among the highest in the nation because firms around the world like the Jäger Group continue to choose Indiana—a state that works—for new jobs, recognizing the strong manufacturing skills Hoosiers bring to their operations.”

As an incentive, Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Jaeger-Unitek Sealing Solutions, Inc. up to $500,000 in conditional tax credits 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 La Porte approved additional incentives at the request of the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation.

“The city of La Porte is thrilled to be able to celebrate the announcement of Jaeger’s expansion plans within our community. This project highlights the importance of local retention and expansion efforts and identifies the accomplishments that can be achieved through the partnerships that exist between local and state governments and our business community,” said La Porte Mayor Blair Milo. “Jaeger, and the Jäger family especially, should be commended for their commitment to La Porte and the state of Indiana despite strong interest from other states.”

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