Auto Truck Group expands presence in Allen County

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Auto Truck Group, a work truck upfitter specializing in the design, manufacture, and installation of truck and van equipment, today announced plans to build an all-new, 72,865-square-foot facility at 12777 Stonebridge Rd. in southwest Allen County, investing more than $6 million and creating up to 50 new jobs.

“Our Fort Wayne facility and its employees have played a vital role in our company’s continued success and as a result of this unprecedented growth, we’ve quickly outgrown our current location,” said Pete Dondlinger, president, Auto Truck Group. “Fort Wayne is an ideal location for Auto Truck Group and this new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will further enhance our production capabilities as we continue to develop customized vehicles for every type of vocational application to meet the needs of our customers.”

Founded in 1918 and headquartered in Bartlett, Ill., Auto Truck Group transforms truck bodies and chassis into functional, task-specific work trucks for a wide range of customers across the construction, energy and utility, telecommunications, municipal and state government, and railroad industries. Designing and manufacturing more than 42,000 commercial vehicles each year, Auto Truck Group serves customers throughout the United States and Canada through its 12 manufacturing facilities, offering ship-through services for several of the top original equipment manufacturers.

The new facility, which is expected to be complete by May 2020, will house the company’s manufacturing operations as well as new office space, expanding Auto Truck Group’s footprint in Allen County by 50,000 square feet. The company plans to relocate from its current facility at 13710 Lower Huntington Road once the new facility is complete.

Auto Truck Group currently employs more than 900 individuals across North America, including 76 in Indiana, and plans to hire additional technicians to handle electrical, hydraulic, and equipment installation for truck upfits. Interested applicants may learn more and apply online at HolmanEnterprises.com/careers.

“The state’s robust manufacturing sector and our strong pipeline of talent makes Indiana the perfect destination for job creators like Auto Truck Group to grow,” said Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). “The company’s commitment to invest in the Allen County community will support efforts across northeast Indiana to propel the region’s economy, while creating even more quality career opportunities for Hoosiers.”

The IEDC offered Auto Truck Group up to $300,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning that until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Northeast Indiana Works will provide the company with additional hiring and training assistance. Allen County Council also will consider tax phase-ins for Auto Truck Group’s eligible real and personal (equipment) property investments.

“Auto Truck Group’s decision to grow its footprint in Allen County not only recognizes the strength of our manufacturing sector, but also reflects the skill of our workers, the quality of life in our community, and the competitiveness of our business climate,” Allen County Commissioners Rich Beck, Therese Brown, and Nelson Peters said in a joint statement.

About Auto Truck Group

Auto Truck Group is a leading work truck upfitter in North America and is part of the Holman Enterprise group of companies. Founded in 1918, Auto Truck Group serves the continental United States and Canada with 12 installation centers and ship-through service with five top OEM manufacturers. Auto Truck Group specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of truck and van equipment for a wide variety of customers, trades, and industries. From custom orders to entire fleets, Auto Truck Group is ready to help dealer customers, fleets, commercial users, including those working in construction, energy and telecommunications, utilities, municipal and state governments, railroads, and many industries.  For more information, please visit www.AutoTruck.com and connect with Auto Truck Group on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.

Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its metro chamber alliance and primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement. GFW Inc. worked with state and local partners to assist Auto Truck Group with its expansion plans. In 2018, GFW Inc. assisted 33 businesses in expansions or relocations in Allen County, resulting in a total of 2,445 projected new jobs, $115 million in new annual payroll, and more than $336 million in new investment.