TRW Automotive to expand operations in Indiana

RP news wires, Noria Corporation

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from automotive supplier TRW Automotive on April 15 to announce the company's plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Lafayette, Ind., creating 200 new jobs by 2011. 

The Fortune 500 company, whose wide range of auto parts are sold to more than 40 major manufacturers worldwide, will invest more than $27 million to improve its current facilities and equip a new 300,000-square-foot facility to manufacture steering gears for heavy-duty trucks.

"We continue to outrun all of our Midwestern competitors for new job-creating investments from great companies like TRW, but we can't let up for a minute. We must continue to look for and land new opportunities to further strengthen and develop Indiana's economy," said Daniels.

With a product line ranging from braking, steering and suspension systems to a full line of safety restraints and electronics, the company posted more than $14.7 billion in sales in 2007, and it is among the world's top ten suppliers of auto parts.  

"The business-friendly environment and the proven success of our workforce and UAW partners made locating this new investment in Indiana a sound choice," said Dan Noe, plant manager of TRW's Lafayette operations. "We appreciate the support of both the state and local governments and look forward to welcoming our new employees to the TRW family."

The auto-systems supplier employs more than 66,000 people worldwide and more than 21,000 in North America. TRW will begin hiring manufacturing associates for the new Lafayette operations late in 2008, ahead of the facility's planned opening in the first quarter of 2009.

Building off a foundation that stretches back to the wooden wheels for Henry Ford's Model T, the company has grown to include more than 200 facilities in 27 countries around the globe. A 1960s merger with Lafayette-based Ross Gear and Tool established TRW's Indiana operations. TRW's new facility will be the second in Lafayette, which is currently the world headquarters for TRW's commercial steering division.

"Tippecanoe County is proud to have a role in TRW's continuing legacy in our community," said Tippecanoe County Commissioner John Knochel. "Tippecanoe County believes in TRW and recognizes this global company as a driving force in our labor market."

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered TRW up to $1.8 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $145,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The state will also contribute up to $100,000 for infrastructure improvements. Tippecanoe County will provide property tax abatement for the project and the City of Lafayette will consider additional relocation and training assistance.

TRW's announced expansion in Lafayette follows global technology giant EDS' February commitment to invest more than $1.6 million and 200 jobs in Tippecanoe County.  

About TRW Automotive
With 2007 sales of $14.7 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Mich., the company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 27 countries and employs approximately 66,300 people worldwide. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems, and aftermarket replacement parts and services.