AUTOLIV TO EXPAND ITS OPERATIONS AND ADD NEW JOBS IN COLUMBIA CITY
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (October 7, 2016) – Local business, Autoliv, Inc., a manufacturer for the automotive industry recently announced it would expand its operations and move to the spec building in Rail Connect Business Park in Columbia City. The relocation will allow the company to immediately add 20 new jobs.
Autoliv is a Swedish company, and along with its joint ventures, has 80 facilities worldwide with more than 66,000 employees across 27 different countries. Autoliv is a worldwide leader in developing, manufacturing and supplying automotive safety systems including: airbags, seatbelts, steering wheels, radar, vision systems, dynamic mapping devices, Night Vision and other safety electronics.
The Columbia City plant began its operations in 1998, manufacturing steering wheels for the North American market. Later, the plant transitioned to airbag assembly operations, producing driver-side, passenger-side and inflatable curtain airbag products. The company is currently located at 4720 Park 30 Drive in Columbia City, and has 32 employees, which will soon increase to more than 50 after moving to the new facility.
“The work Autoliv will handle at this facility will help to save more lives around the world, and we are proud to strengthen our roots and grow our partnership within the local community,” said Autoliv Spokesman Tom Hajkus.
Whitley RC Investments, LLC (WRCI) partnered with the Whitley County Redevelopment Commission as the developers for the 70,000 SF expandable spec building, which was built in 2013. WRCI is a partnership between Whitley County business owner Simon Dragan and Harbor Investments, LLC.
“I am happy to hear that Autoliv is expanding its operations in Whitley County,” said Dragan, “They are an outstanding company offering cutting-edge technologies and capabilities. We are proud to have them here, and could not think of a better location than Rail Connect, right here in Whitley County.”
Rail Connect Business Park is a 120 acre publicly owned, master planned industrial park with rail and highway access near the intersection of US Highway 30 and County Road 600 East that has received “shovel ready” designations from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. Rail Connect Business Park is located in one of two Tax Increment Finance (TIF) areas administered by the Whitley County Redevelopment Commission along the US 30 Industrial Corridor.
The Whitley County Council approved, a 10-year tax abatement for real estate improvements to the property at the request of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
“The development of this project demonstrates the strong public-private partnership that Whitley County has fostered with its businesses for nearly 25 years,” said EDC President Jon Myers, “We are pleased that Autoliv continues to be a strong business partner in our community.”
To learn more about Autoliv visit www.autoliv.com.
About Autoliv, Inc.
Autoliv, Inc. is the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, and through its subsidiaries develops and manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers in the world. Together with its joint ventures, Autoliv has more than 80 facilities with around 66,000 employees in 27 countries. In addition, Autoliv has 22 technical centers in nine countries around the world, with 20 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier. Sales in 2015 amounted to about US $9.2 billion and Autoliv’s shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ALV).
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:
Katie Dewitt (Whitley County EDC) – 260.244.5506 kdewitt@whitleyedc.com
Tom Hajkus (Autoliv) – 248.375.6550 tom.hajkus@autoliv.com
