New Haven, Ind. (August 15, 2008)—Vera Bradley Designs Inc. is announcing plans to establish its production headquarters in New Haven. The company is finalizing plans to lease a 125,356 square foot facility at 2808 Adams Center Road. Improvement of the building and start-up of production activity will begin in September. Within 24 months the facility will host approximately 560 jobs, 70 of which will come from existing Vera Bradley facilities. Vera Bradley designs and produces handbags, luggage and accessories.
“This is an important step in our plan to integrate previously outsourced manufacturing into our operation,” said Mike Ray, chief executive officer. “We are happy to have found the facility right here in Allen County.”
Today’s announcement comes after weeks of discussions with building owner Hanning & Bean Enterprises, the City of New Haven, Allen County Department of Planning Services, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance and others.
“Many factors were weighed in selecting this site, including the support of the City of New Haven,” added Jill Nichols, chief operating officer. Another benefit cited by the company is the recently announced Adams Center Road/Maplecrest Road extension project.
“This is good news for Vera Bradley and good news for our community,” stated New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald. “We are pleased the Adams Center Road building can host this activity and we are doing everything possible to make the company’s transition into the new facility as seamless as possible. Our support will continue long after production begins and we look forward to a mutually-beneficial relationship for years to come.”
The City of New Haven has pledged a $100,000 grant over three years to assist with the building reconfiguration. The grant is focused on lighting and IT infrastructure needs. In addition, the New Haven City Council will consider phasing in property taxes associated with the project. Vera Bradley could save approximately $299,000 while still paying nearly $417,000 in local property tax over seven years based on calculations provided by Allen County officials. Planned investment by the company and building owner includes approximately $2 million in facility improvements and another $2.2 million in machinery & equipment, furniture & fixtures and computer hardware & software.
Hiring for new positions have already begun. Individuals looking for more information or to apply for a position can visit
www.verabradley.com.
About Vera BradleyVera Bradley handbags, luggage and accessories have recently been spotted on: Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, According to Jim, Samantha Who and in over 20 feature-length films as well as in celebrity gift lounges surrounding the 2008 Tony Awards, 2008 Daytime Emmys and 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Fort Wayne-based Vera Bradley was founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller. In addition to a distinctive collection of signature handbags, Vera Bradley designs stationery, rolling luggage, innovative limited edition lines, tableware, fine rugs and eyewear.