Utility vehicle firm to grow
American LandMaster to create 70 Whitley County jobs
By Lisa Green | The Journal Gazette
American LandMaster, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of off-road utility vehicles, will invest more than $4 million in an expansion that could create nearly 70 jobs in Columbia City within three years.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. said in a news release Friday the company will lease and equip an 112,000-square-foot space at 2499 S. 600 E. near U.S. 30.
The location will become the company's headquarters and accommodate consolidation of American LandMaster's manufacturing operations in Roseland, Louisiana, and Fort Wayne. The new facility is less than 15 miles from the Fort Wayne location at 7625 Disalle Blvd., northwest of Cook and Coldwater roads.
Founded in 1959, American LandMaster has built more than 1 million utility vehicles, the news release said. The company offers full-size, crew, electric and fun karts for work or play.
With the expansion, the company expects to create up to 67 jobs by 2020.
It currently employs 40 in Fort Wayne, Eric Hall, marketing director, said in an email response.
Production is expected to start in September at the new location, a move that will help American LandMaster improve customer service and expand its product lineup, the news release said.
Hiring for fabrication, welding, assembly, paint and support positions begins in June. The company declined to disclose average pay or a pay range but said through email almost all new jobs will be full-time hourly with benefits.
“Not only will the new facility create jobs, it will also position American LandMaster to continue our growth through enhanced quality, faster innovation and customer service,” Pat Morello, CEO of American LandMaster, said in a statement.
The company established operations in Indiana in 2012 and is an affiliate of Ambassador Enterprises.
State economic development officials offered ASW LLC, which does business as American LandMaster, up to $420,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $70,000 in training grants based on the job creation plans.
The incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.
The Whitley County Council is considering additional incentives at the request of the Whitley County Economic Development Corp.
“We are pleased that American LandMaster has chosen to move its operations here to Whitley County,” Whitley County Commissioner George Schrumpf said.
