FORT WAYNE, Ind. (April 27, 2009) — Superior Essex announced today plans for expansion of its distribution operations in Fort Wayne. The project involves an investment of $485,000 by the company and is expected to create 15 new jobs in the area by 2010. Superior Essex will also continue to employ 30 full-time workers from its Columbia City, Indiana warehouse.
We are pleased with the cooperation, support and interest from local, county, and state officials regarding our investment in the local economy. Dating back to the earliest days of our company, we have had operations in Fort Wayne,” said Ronald Harris, Vice President of Distribution for Superior Essex. “It is exciting to further build our ties to the area by growing distribution operations here.”
The Atlanta-based company, which is one of the largest wire and cable manufacturers in the world, is consolidating its Louisville, Kentucky and Columbia City, Indiana distribution centers into Fort Wayne. Superior Essex will lease space at the Coastal Commerce site, located at 3405 Meyer Road, to accommodate the additional workers and light fabrication equipment. The facility is expected to be operational by June 2009.
“Superior Essex joins a growing list of companies that are choosing Indiana as the right place to make business more efficient,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “We must continue to work to create a low-cost, competitive environment where companies can grow.”
Essex Group Inc., the Fort Wayne based subsidiary of Superior Essex, was originally founded in 1930 in Detroit as Essex Wire. The company started as an OEM supplier of wire harnesses and battery cables to Ford Motor Company. The company is today part of a Superior Essex network employs more than 4,400 people and owns 26 manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and China.
“The expansion of Superior Essex in Fort Wayne signifies the determination and strength of our community,” stated Mayor Tom Henry. “I am extremely proud of the City’s continuing growth during these tumultuous economic times.”
The City of Fort Wayne has offered Superior Essex a $105,000 grant and the company could also save $38,094 over a ten year period on real and personal property taxes due to its Urban Enterprise Zone location. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) will offer up to $100,000 in Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits over a ten-year period and a $25,000 Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) grant for training.
About Superior Essex
Superior Essex is a subsidiary of LS Cable, one of the largest wire and cable manufacturers in the world. The Company manufactures and supplies a broad portfolio of wire and cable products for the communications, energy, automotive, industrial, and commercial & residential end-markets. It is a leading manufacturer of magnet wire, fabricated insulation products, and copper and fiber optic communications wire and cable. It is also a leading distributor of magnet wire, insulation and related products. For more information, visit www.superioressex.com.