Federal-Mogul Corporation, a global manufacturer of powertrain, chassis and safety technologies, announced May 26 it will expand its automotive lighting manufacturing operations here, creating up to 50 new jobs by 2010.
The company, which supplies innovative products to the automotive, marine, rail and heavy-duty engine manufacturing markets, will invest more than $6 million in its facility at 100 Progress Way West in the Northeast Indiana town.
"More and more companies are recognizing that Indiana is a great place to do business, and we're glad Federal-Mogul selected Indiana for this expansion," said Governor Mitch Daniels.
The Southfield, Mich.-based company, which employs nearly 50,000 workers worldwide and more than 120 in Avilla, will begin hiring additional manufacturing associates in June to accommodate increased business.
"Federal-Mogul Corporation looks forward to increasing its presence and creating jobs in the Avilla community," said Dawn York, plant controller of the Avilla facility. "We would like to thank the town of Avilla, Noble County Economic Development Corporation and the state for their support related to this expansion initiative."
Founded in 1899, Federal-Mogul is parent to 22 global brands including Anco wiper blades, Champion spark plugs, MOOG chassis parts and Wagner lighting. Associates at the Avilla facility manufacture automotive lighting products including sockets, connectors and back plates under the Zanxx brand.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Federal-Mogul up to $500,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $180,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The town of Avilla will offer property tax abatement at the request of the Noble County Economic Development Corporation. WorkOne will also provide training assistance to the company.
"We are excited about Federal-Mogul's decision to grow in Avilla," said Paul Sheperd, president of the Avilla town council. "We want to thank all of the parties involved who helped Federal-Mogul renew their commitment to our community."
With operations in 35 countries, Federal-Mogul grossed revenues of more than $6.9 billion in 2007 and ranked 355 in the 2008 Fortune 500 rankings.
Federal-Mogul's announcement comes one month after children's orthopedics developer and manufacturer Orthopediatrics announced its plans to create 100 jobs in nearby Warsaw, Ind.