Exo-s to relocate two Michigan operations to LaGrange County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 9, 2013

Exo-s to relocate two Michigan operations to LaGrange County

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Exo-s, a fully integrated supplier of global engineered injection and blow molded thermoplastic systems for the automotive and specialty markets, announced today that it will relocate its manufacturing operations in Three Rivers, Michigan, and machine and tool shop in Centerville, Michigan to Howe, Indiana. The Canadian-based company expects the move to be completed in 2014 and to increase its workforce by 20% over the next 18 months.

"The move will allow Exo-s to accommodate planned expansion of operations to support increased customer demand for our high quality products, while holding the line on cost," said Todd Fowler, plant manager at Exo-sThree Rivers location. "Representatives of the local and state government, and the local business community partnered with Exo-s to present an offer that is perfectly aligned to our company's future plans."

The company is renovating an existing building in Howe, Indiana, that was formerly an automotive component stamping plant.

"Exo-s is a great fit for LaGrange County," said Keith Gillenwater, President and CEO of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation. "It supports several regional companies and further diversifies our local industrial base. We are pleased to welcome them to our community."

The project originated as a lead with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership before the LaGrange County EDC took over talks with Exo-s.

"This is an excellent example of how collaboration in the region leads to wins," said Dale Buuck, vice president of business development of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. "Exo-s found a suitable location in LaGrange County to not only combine two current operations, but that also allows for future growth."

* From the IEDC Press Release:
Exo-s US, LLC, a supplier of injection and blow molded thermoplastic systems, announced plans today to relocate its operations from Three Rivers and Centreville, Mich. to here, creating up to 250 new jobs by 2016.

The Quebec, Canada-headquartered company, which supplies HVAC duct, engine covers and related products to the automotive industry, will invest $6.8 million to move its manufacturing to a 191,000 square-foot facility in LaGrange County.

Exo-s

Exo-s is a 2012 recipient of the General Motor's Supplier of the Year award. The founding company, Bombardier, opened its first injection molding plant in Quebec in 1968. In 1982, Bombardier's rubber, fashion and plastics facilities became Camoplast. In 2010, Camoplast acquired Solideal. Exo-s was established in 2012 to foster the growth of the Polymer Solutions Division of Camoplast Solideal.

Exo-s is a leading supplier of injection molded and blow molded automotive products such as engine covers, thermal systems (HVAC), coolant reservoirs, washer reservoirs, and air induction systems. The company also manufactures specialty products for a wide range of markets including agriculture, all-terrain utility vehicles, toys, and household appliances. In total Exo-s employs more than 600 people in the United States and Canada.

LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation