FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Northern Indiana Anodize (NIA), a startup aluminum anodizing company, today announced plans to invest $6.9 million in its first location. The company will build a facility on Bluffton Road and create up to 48 new jobs by the end of 2021.
Anodizing is a process that increases wear resistance and corrosion protection for aluminum parts by dipping them into multiple chemical baths. NIA plans to use 32-foot tanks to accommodate aluminum parts up to 30 feet in length.
“With the economy growing, we’re seeing companies changing from steel parts to aluminum for weight and performance purposes,” said Bruce Fogler, chief financial officer at NIA. “We know there’s a high demand for anodizing providers and a shortage of large-tank anodizing facilities, so we’re starting this company to provide high-quality services in a growing industry.”
The planned 47,000-square-foot facility will be built at 13026 Bluffton Road in Fort Wayne, just off I-469. Construction is slated to begin in August with completion expected in March 2019.
NIA plans to serve the automotive, construction, boating, and industrial markets in the Midwest region.
“As a state, we’re committed to cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem where companies like NIA have the access to capital and the tools they need to launch their businesses,” said Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). “We’re excited to witness NIA’s growth in northeast Indiana as they establish their first anodizing facility and create good jobs in the community.”
The IEDC offered NIA up to $250,000 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. NIA is also eligible for tax phase-ins for eligible real and personal (equipment) property investments.
“We’re happy to welcome Northern Indiana Anodize to the community,” said Nelson Peters, Allen County Commissioner. “With the increasing commerce on Bluffton Road, NIA is a perfect fit. We look forward to the 48 jobs NIA will create and the company becoming a part of our Allen County community.”
As Fort Wayne and Allen County’s primary point of contact for economic development services, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. worked with state and local partners to assist NIA with their expansion plans. To date in 2018, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. has assisted 20 businesses in expansions or relocations in Allen County, resulting in a total of more than $209 million in new investment and 615 projected new jobs.
About Northern Indiana Anodize
Northern Indiana Anodize is an aluminum anodizing company serving the automotive, construction, boating, and industrial markets in the Midwest region. For more information, visit www.northernindianaanodize.com.
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.
