Franke Plating Expanding in Fort Wayne

July 02, 2015 1:03 AM

Franke Plating building 2nd plant

$1.5 million expansion to add 15 local jobs

Lisa Green | The Journal Gazette

A plating business that has been in the same family since it started in 1930 is expanding, investing about $1.5 million.

Franke Plating Works has an 85,000-square-foot plant at 2109 E. Washington Blvd. and has established a second location, Franke Plating Works II, at 1918 E. Wayne St.

The new location, expected to be fully operational in August, has 27,000 square feet.

The investment includes a planned powder coat line for the company, which currently employs 38 and plates chrome, copper, electroplated nickel and numerous other materials.

Up to 15 jobs, including line operators, packers and lab technicians, will be added with the expansion, according to a news release.

The second location will allow the company to plate products that better comply with Restriction of Hazardous Substance requirements, also known as “green plating,” said Charlie Cox, vice president of operations for Franke Plating.

Demand for such products has increased in recent years.