Fort Wayne Metals Prepares for Expansion

Fort Wayne Metals is expanding.

The Fort Wayne, Ind.-based company, which employs more than 650 people in Indiana and more than 700 worldwide (the company has production and distribution in Castlebar, Ireland, and sales offices in the Netherlands, China and Brazil) said expansion will add 106 new local jobs by 2017, according to a news release from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC).

The company will invest $29.4 million to construct, renovate and equip a 33,000-square-foot facility on its 50-acre Ardmore Avenue campus in Fort Wayne, bringing its total footprint in the community to 553,000 square feet. With seven production facilities, a warehouse, a research and development center and a metallurgical laboratory in Fort Wayne, the expansion will allow the firm to increase capacity for the production of stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, nitinol and titanium wire, as well as many composite materials in various forms.

“After doing business around the world, Indiana companies like Fort Wayne Metals understand firsthand the benefits offered by our Hoosier business climate,” said Mike Pence, governor of Indiana. “With a driving force rooted in the nation’s best workforce, the motor of Indiana’s economy keeps growing stronger, fueled by low taxes and an environment designed for success in a state that works.”

Fort Wayne Metals plans to begin hiring for production, administrative and research and development positions this fall.

“As we continue to see growing demand for our products, both domestically and internationally, it is critical that we create an infrastructure that can support the needs of our customers,” said Troy Linder, chief financial officer of Fort Wayne Metals. “Our investment is intended to meet those needs, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with the IEDC and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. as we continue to grow our worldwide business right here in Fort Wayne.”

Founded in 1946, Fort Wayne Metals supplies high-quality precision wire, strands, cables and component assemblies. The company’s products are used in various medical device markets including vascular therapy, cardiac rhythm management, endoscopy, orthopedics, dental, neuromodulation, neurostimulation and industries where demanding applications are a necessity. The company also has a production, warehouse and sales facility in Ireland and sells to customers around the world.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered the company up to $1,125,000 in conditional tax credits based on the firm’s job creation plans. The tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Fort Wayne will consider additional incentives at the request of Greater Fort Wayne Inc.

“The investment being made by Fort Wayne Metals is great news for our local economy as we continue to be a leader in economic development and job growth,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “Fort Wayne Metals is sending a strong message that our city is a place to invest and grow.”

IEDC was created in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce. It is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Pence.