Plastics company expanding in Garrett

GARRETT, Ind. (WANE) – Plastics manufacturer, Mossberg Industries Inc. , announced plans Friday to expand its headquarters in Garrett and create up to 15 new jobs by 2014 in the process.

According to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the company, which makes injection-molded plastic spools and reels, will invest $2.9 million to construct and equip a 45,000 square-foot addition to its current facility at 204 N. Second Street.

Construction of the new addition has already begun with the expanded facility slated to be fully operational at the end of the year.

"We're delighted that companies like Mossberg are continually finding Indiana as the most prosperous location for business," said Dan Hasler, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "With our low-taxes and nationally acclaimed business climate, Indiana helps firms achieve sustainable, long-lasting growth."

Mossberg, which currently has 50 full-time employees in Indiana, has already begun hiring additional engineering and production associates.

"We are very excited to be expanding our operations in Garrett," said Jim Khorshid, general manager of Mossberg. "We have a long history in the community and hope we can help the area grow. We have a wonderful group of employees who have worked hard to develop the great reputation that Mossberg has with our customers and our community."

Founded more than 90 years ago, the company supplies customers in the packaging, industrial and logistics industries. Mossberg, which also provides custom design and manufacturing services, operates an additional facility in Ontario, Calif.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Mossberg Industries, Inc. and JDBM, LLC up to $60,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $19,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Garrett approved additional property tax abatement at the request of the DeKalb County Economic Development Partnership, Inc.

"We are excited to partner with Mossberg Industries," said Garrett Mayor Tonya Hoeffel. "My administration and City Council members have sent a clear message to industries interested in improvements or locating in Garrett, that we are committed to retaining and bringing jobs to our community."

In May, six companies announced plans to locate or grow their headquarters in the Hoosier State, creating more than 600 projected new headquarters and operations jobs. On Wednesday, Automotive Climate Control announced plans to invest $4.9 million to expand its headquarters in Elkhart, adding up to 40 new jobs by 2015.