Dana investing in Fort Wayne facility

Published: May 16, 2013 3:00 a.m.

Upgrades save Dana jobs

City leaders to consider another 10-year tax break

Paul Wyche | The Journal Gazette

A $6.5 million investment in equipment will allow a local auto parts supplier to keep pace.

Dana Holding Corp. will replace and refurbish existing machinery at the facility, 2100 W. State Blvd., plant manager Robert Flynn said Wednesday. Most of the equipment is computer numerical control and gear-cutting upgrades.

The project will help in the retention of 468 jobs at the plant, which makes axles, drive shafts, transmissions and other products for light- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers. Two positions, averaging $75,000 a year, will be added after the investment.

On Tuesday, the Fort Wayne City Council will vote on a 10-year tax abatement that would save the company an estimated $450,861, according to city officials.

Last April, Dana invested $4.2 million on equipment and received a 10-year abatement that was to save an estimated $267,000.