UGN, Inc., a supplier of high-quality acoustic, interior trim and thermal management products to the automotive industry, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 14 new jobs by 2015.
The Tinley Park, Illinois-headquartered company, a joint venture between Japan-based Nihon Tokushu Toryo Co. Ltd. and Switzerland-based Autoneum, will invest $4.8 million to expand and equip its manufacturing facility in Valparaiso, adding 30,000 square feet to its current 180,000 square-foot operations. With renovations expected to begin next month, the addition of new business will allow UGN to manufacture automotive parts for the next generation Honda Civic and Subaru Impreza.
"The auto industry has found a strong home here in Indiana," said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "UGN's decision to expand operations in Valparaiso shows why Indiana is a state that works. With our low taxes and highly skilled workforce, companies are free to develop and expand here. When we get down to where the rubber meets the road, companies know what to expect in Indiana—stability, an affordable business climate and unlimited opportunity."
UGN, which has more than 325 full-time employees in Indiana, plans to begin hiring for manufacturing and technical positions next summer. Interested candidates can apply at ugnauto.com.
"This expansion ensures UGN continues to supply our innovative products to the automotive industry as production continues to grow," said Peter Anthony, chief executive officer of UGN. "The expansion at our Valparaiso plant is in a central location—and close to our headquarters—and we have a skilled workforce there, which we look forward to expanding."
With more than $375 million in annual revenue and six locations in the United States, UGN produces dash insulators, engine side parts, carpet systems and seat belt protectors for the Japanese automotive industry in North America. The UGN facility in Valparaiso has been honored multiple years with the Honda Quality Performance Award, the Toyota Achievement Award and the Subaru Quality Achievement Award.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered UGN, Inc. up to $115,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Valparaiso approved additional incentives.
"It is wonderful to see another local business decide that Valparaiso is the right place to invest capital resources and grow," said Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. "We value UGN and its current employees, and we look forward to welcoming new employees as result of this investment."
Indiana leads the nation in manufacturing job growth, adding 13,400 jobs in the industry over the past year. Bolstered by the state’s skilled workforce and affordable business climate, Indiana has added the second most manufacturing jobs in the nation since July 2009.