Android Industries and its sister company Avancez will expand their operations in Fort Wayne, IN, creating up to 313 new jobs by the end of 2018. Both companies manufacture and assemble specialty equipment and complex modules for the automotive industry.
The Michigan-based companies, which established a facility for Android Industries in Indiana in 2012, will invest $14.7 million to expand operations in Fort Wayne to support General Motors’ growing local operations. To meet demand from new GM contracts, Android Industries will increase capacity for assembling headliners, radiator modules, consoles and other components. Android Industries will expand its existing 59,000-square-foot operation, leasing additional space to occupy the entire 112,000-square-foot building. Avancez will also establish a second, 300,000-square-foot facility less than one mile away.
“We have been active, contributing members in our Fort Wayne community since 2012,” said Kathryn Nichols, chief executive officer of Android and Avancez. “We support and believe in the Midwest values and the work ethic so deeply engrained in our team members. We value the leadership in our community; and we are honored to grow with our General Motors customer. Thanks to our team members for supporting and believing in us. Thanks to Fort Wayne’s leadership for striving to make the community a great place to work and live. And many thanks to GM for trusting us with this opportunity. By working together towards a common goal, we all win.”
The companies plan to begin renovations in October and begin operating in their new spaces by July 2018. The companies, which together employ more than 2,000 associates globally and more than 70 in Allen County, will begin hiring assemblers, material coordinators, maintenance technicians, engineers and other skilled personnel in September.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Android Industries up to $2 million 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 the company is not eligible to claim incentives until employees are hired. Northeast Indiana Works will provide additional hiring and training assistance, and the Allen County Council will consider additional incentives at the request of Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
“Indiana is a global leader in automotive manufacturing, with Hoosier-built cars traveling on roads around the world,” said Jim Schellinger, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. “As General Motors keeps growing in Indiana, suppliers like Android Industries are also choosing to hire more Hoosiers. We’re dedicated to continuing to build the nation’s best environment for manufacturing by taking Indiana to the next level, making sure Hoosier job creators have the resources and the workforce they need to grow and thrive.”
“Congratulations to Android Industries,” said Richard Beck, president of the Allen County Redevelopment Commission. “This is exactly the outcome the Allen County Redevelopment Commission hoped for when it started the Land Banking initiative in 2008. Government should not attempt to create jobs; however, it should foster the environment that attracts jobs.”
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