The Journal Gazette reported that Triad Metals International, a structural steel distributor, will invest more than USD 10 million to build a 170,000 square foot distribution center in Columbia City, its first in the Midwest.
Triad Metals International said that the project will create up to 35 new jobs by 2013. Positions will be in processing, distribution and supervision. Beginning salaries will average USD 17 an hour.
Triad Metals plans to begin construction by the end of 2010. CEO Mr Ron Hammond's goal is to open for business by June 1st 2011.
Triad Metals buys from steel producers, cuts beams to customers’ desired length, creates structural shapes and sells pieces to construction companies. Fort Wayne based Steel Dynamics Inc is among the company’s suppliers.
Mr Hammond praised Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Whitley County officials for bringing the deal together over the past year. He said that "Factors such as proximity to customers, access to road and rail infrastructure, and workforce made Indiana an attractive location, but the ongoing dedication of the state and local officials I have worked with set Indiana apart as a place to do business."
Triad Metals is building on about 25 acres in the Rail Connect Business Park, a 120 acre, publicly owned industrial park with rail and four lane highway access near US 30 and County Road 600 East.
Mr Bill Overdeer chairman of Whitley County Redevelopment Commission said that his group moved quickly to develop a rail-served site to attract the Triad Metals project. The business park will continue infrastructure improvements concurrently with Triad Metals' project.
Mr Mitch Roob, secretary of commerce and CEO of the IEDC, called Triad Metals' decision a victory for northeast Indiana. He said that "Once again, Indiana's low cost of doing business and logistical infrastructure is proving to be a valuable tool in attracting new competitive investment."
The IEDC offered Triad Metals up to USD 340,000 in performance based tax credits, based on the company's job creation plans. Whitley County will give the company property tax abatement.
(Sourced from www.journalgazette.net)
