ADVANCED ASSEMBLY EXPANDING IN WHITLEY COUNTY AND ADDING 100 NEW JOBS
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (September 8, 2017) – Local business, Advanced Assembly, LLC recently announced plans to expand its operations in Columbia City, and add approximately 100 new jobs.
Advanced Assembly, LLC, is a joint venture between Comer Holdings, LLC and Lear Corporation. Advanced Assembly manufactures and assembles seating systems for Chevrolet’s Silverado pickup trucks produced at General Motors’ assembly plant in Fort Wayne, IN.
“With this $7 million investment, we strengthen our production, shipping and material storage capacity at the Columbia City facility, and fortify our ability to deliver quality automotive seating for our customers,” said Leonard Fox, Vice President of Operations, Integrated Manufacturing and Assembly (another joint venture between Comer Holdings LLC and Lear Corporation). “We appreciate the support provided by Whitley County, the Redevelopment Commission and the Whitley County EDC. We are proud to reinforce our presence in Columbia City, and enhance development of this community where our valued employees live and work.”
Advanced Assembly plans to invest more than $7 million in new manufacturing and IT equipment at the plant in Columbia City. The project will include the addition of three new assembly lines to increase production capacity at the plant, a new shipping system and additional material storage systems. The company plans to add approximately 100 new jobs, which will make Advanced Assembly one of the largest employers in Whitley County.
“Advanced Assembly has been a part of our community for nearly 10 years, and we are proud that they have chosen us for this expansion,” said Whitley County Economic Development (EDC) President, Jon Myers, “It is a tribute to their current employees and a vote of confidence in our local workforce.”
In lieu of a tax abatement, Advanced Assembly requested a training grant to train employees who will operate and support the new assembly lines. The Whitley County Redevelopment Commission approved a training grant of $235,000 for the company, at the request of the Whitley County EDC.
“On behalf of the Whitley County Redevelopment Commission (RDC), we are pleased to support Advanced Assembly on this project,” said Whitley County RDC Chairman, Jim Argerbright, “We want to support the needs of our businesses, and continue to be flexible with the incentives we provide. We are pleased to invest in local people through the training grant.”
About LEAR Corporation
Lear Corporation is ranked #151 on the Fortune 500 with world-class products designed, engineered and manufactured by a diverse team of talented employees. As a leading supplier of automotive seating and electrical, Lear services its customers with global capabilities while maintaining individual commitment. With headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, Lear maintains 257 locations in 38 countries around the globe and employs approximately 156,000 employees. Lear is traded under the symbol [LEA] on the New York Stock Exchange.
About Comer Holdings, LLC
Comer Holdings LLC, through its operating companies, is committed to providing quality parts and service at competitive prices to its partners. Comer Holdings LLC, through its many subsidiaries currently provides assembly, warehousing, sequencing and manufacturing to the North American markets. Through its Camryn Group of companies, Comer Holdings also provides transportation logistics, warehousing and manufacturing assembly.
About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients’ growth and success. Our mission is to lead a comprehensive economic development program that retains and expands employment opportunities for local residents and attracts business investment to Whitley County. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit: www.whitleyedc.com.
Media Contacts:
Erica Brown (Lear Corporation) – 248.447.1803 ebrown@lear.com
Katie Dewitt (Whitley County EDC) – 260.244.5506 kdewitt@whitleyedc.com
