Haven Manufacturing Expanding in Wells County
June 5, 2014
News Release
OSSIAN, Ind. - Haven Manufacturing received an abatement Monday evening for the first phase of a multi-phase expansion that will add up to 100 new jobs and more than $2.7 million in new equipment by 2017 to their Ossian, IN facility. Len Feddema, the President of Haven, attended the meeting along with Diane Johnson of Wells County Economic Development to request the $19,700, ten-year abatement from the Wells County Council on an equipment investment of $580,000.00 for three new CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) mills.
Feddema, in his written request to the Council, noted the average wage for the new employees will be $17.00 per hour. These 100 new jobs over a three-year period will add to the already 50 employees currently working at Haven, a manufacturer of medical and automotive components. The company, prior to adding the three new manufacturing units, grew their ranks over the past 6 months by ten employees because of a growing market share. The request to the Wells County Council noted three additional employees will be added as a direct result of the new machinery.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Haven Manufacturing Indiana, Inc. up to $700,000 in conditional tax credits based on the companys job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Northeast Indiana Works has also been supporting the Haven expansion. Haven has manufacturing facilities in Grand Haven, MI as well as Angola, IN. Haven Manufacturing expects to request abatements in future meetings with the Council as new equipment is added.
"This expansion is just one of many in Wells County that will require even more skilled workers," Tim Ehlerding, Executive Director of Wells County Economic Development stated, "finding and developing the workforce our industries and businesses need may very well be our primary focus for the next several years." Several Wells County industries have recently announced expansions, or have systematically added new employees as part of the expanding economic situation. Wells County has traditionally experienced some of the lowest unemployment rates in the region.
Source: Wells County Economic Development
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