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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

China-Based Haier America Opens Technology-Design Center of Excellence In Evansville, Indiana

07/14/2015
Haier America, a China-based appliance and consumer electronics manufacturer, opened its Technology and Design Center of Excellence in Evansville, Indiana. The company is expected to create 50 high-wage technology jobs.

The 30,000-square-foot research and development center, located at 900 W. Pennsylvania, will support Haier's expansion in the United States, positioning the global leader in home appliances and consumer electronics at the forefront of American design and manufacturing.

Haier America plans to invest more than $2.8 million renovating the façade and interiors of the former Coca-Cola bottling plant and distribution center in Evansville with additional investments over the next year. Haier's Technology and Design Center will house its engineering offices, performance and reliability laboratories, a consumer experience showroom and model shop with rapid prototype capabilities.

According to company officials, with its focus on design and innovation, the Haier Center will support expansion into new product categories, such as cooking appliances, and innovations across product lines. As a result of the new jobs and investment by Haier, Evansville will increase its regional influence as a technology hub. Local officials anticipate that the city will realize a total of $10 million in economic impact each year.

"With the wealth of talent in the area and the way in which the local and regional communities have embraced us, Evansville is the perfect location to launch this Haier facility in the United States," said Adrian Micu, President/CEO of Haier America. "The opening of the Haier Center aligns with our strategy to design and manufacture consumer-centric, whole-home platform solutions that fit the lives and anticipate the needs of American consumers. Haier is closer and more committed to the U.S. market than ever before."

"When I met with Haier executives in China this spring, I was invigorated by the company's plans to accelerate technology development in Indiana," said Governor Mike Pence. "In addition to our strong workforce and pro-growth business climate, Indiana has quickly become a center for innovation, making the Hoosier State the natural choice for this facility as Haier continues to increase its presence in the United States."

"Today's ribbon cutting ceremony for Haier America's new Research and Development Tech Center signifies the launch of a new manufacturing era for our community with the reemergence of the appliance industry in Evansville," said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. "This city has a strong history of producing refrigerators, air conditioners and other lager appliances, and we are proud to partner with the world's No. 1 leader in major appliance brands. Haier has already exceeded its initial hiring commitment, and I am confident this is only the beginning of the company's presence in our community for decades to come."

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