FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Universal Logistics today announced plans to significantly grow its workforce, adding up to 130 new jobs and $17 million in new annual payroll. The company also aims to invest nearly $25 million in new equipment and real estate improvements at its properties on Fogwell Parkway as it ramps up its local operations, thanks in large part to a growing relationship with its primary customer.
“Companies like Universal Dedicated are helping us take Indiana’s economy to the next level,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “As the Crossroads of America, we are perfectly positioned to help companies reach customers across the Midwest, across the country and around the globe. I will continue to be laser-focused on enhancing our infrastructure network so that Universal Dedicated can help to drive our economy forward.”
In addition to adding jobs, Universal Logistics will construct a new holding yard of about 10 acres on Fogwell Parkway to house its new transportation assets, as well as a dispatch operations office structure.
“This is a big win for our organization and Allen County,” said Matt Lock, VP of operations at Universal Logistics. “We appreciate our customer’s continued trust and growth in our services and for making us their primary-source transportation provider. We also recognize our most important asset, our employees, for their hard work and dedication, once again proving that people-driven solutions enable our success. We look forward to growing our team and maintaining our reputation for best-in-industry service levels, continuous improvement and cost savings initiatives for our customers.”
Universal Logistics plans to hire CDL truck drivers, as well as diesel and trailer mechanics, logistics professionals, and administrative employees. Truck drivers will have workweeks of 5-6 days with competitive compensation packages, plus a $10,000 sign-on bonus and new-model equipment. With all routes local and regional, drivers can be home daily with fixed start times.
Universal has also partnered with Ivy Tech on their unique “Dock to Driver” program. In this program, warehouse associates are given the opportunity to continue their employment while going to school to earn their CDL A from Ivy Tech. Associates can then gain local driving experience as trainees, driving alongside veteran Smith-certified company driver trainers. The company pays the full tuition and training time for the student/employee.
A Universal Logistics hiring event will be held from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday, July 13, at Northeast Indiana Works’ WorkOne Northeast career center, located at 201 E. Rudisill Blvd. in Fort Wayne. Interested applicants may also learn more and apply online at DriveUniversal.com or Universal Logistics’ careers page.
Headquartered in Michigan, Universal Logistics is one of the largest transportation and logistics providers in North America. The company operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia, serving a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, energy, government services, healthcare, industrial, retail and consumer goods, metals, and more. Locally, Universal Logistics employs approximately 225 people. In total, the company employs more than 5,000 full-time associates in North America and Colombia.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Universal Logistics up to $1.35 million in conditional tax credits. 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. The Allen County Board of Commissioners also supports the project.
“We seek great business partners here in Allen County. But we also want terrific corporate neighbors,” Allen County Commissioners Rich Beck, Therese Brown, and Nelson Peters said in a joint statement. “Universal Logistics checks both of those boxes, and we look forward to the economic and social benefits this tremendous company’s expansion will have on our community.”
About Universal Logistics
Universal Logistics Holdings is a full-service provider of customized transportation and logistics solutions. For more than 80 years, we have provided complete services including dry van and specialized transportation, intermodal drayage, material handling and value-added services, and global trade management. For more information, visit universallogistics.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. GFW Inc. worked with state and local partners to assist Universal Logistics 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.
