Plastic valves, fittings and pipes maker Nibco Inc. plans to expand its operation in Charlestown, Ind., where it will create up to 40 new jobs by 2017.
The company will invest $5.6 million to buy new equipment and increase the manufacturing capacity of its 187,000-square-foot facility, which currently employs 140. The upgrade will allow Nibco to meet growing demand for its Chemtrol brand of thermoplastic products that are used in industrial and fire protection markets, according to the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
The Chemtrol line of flow control system products are made of polypropylene, PVC, chlorinated PVC and other materials that Nibco says are engineered to resist abrasion, corrosion, weather in tough environments, and even chemical and biological attacks. The range of applications also includes waste water treatment plants, pharmaceuticals and food processing.
IEDC has offered Nibco up to $150,000 in training grants with the exact amount of funding to be determined by the number of new hires. The company will begin filling production and other positions in 2016.
Nibco also got a property tax break from the Charlestown City Council.
Based in Elkhart, Ind., Nibco has 10 manufacturing facilities in the United States, Mexico and Poland that employ more than 2,200. The 110-year-old company opened the Charlestown plant in 1996. The upgrades there will be completed in 2018.
“The investment we are making in equipment allows us to invest in our associates as well,” general plant manager Doug Kieper said in a news release. “The training support we will receive allows Nibco to provide manufacturing-based training and education to support our steadily increasing sales.”
In addition to Chemtrol thermoplastic valves, the facility makes Nibco's BlazeMaster fire protection fittings and Corzan HP piping systems.
Nibco plans to use both in-house and outsourced training to teach manufacturing methods, including advanced injection mold techniques. Participants in the advanced training program also will be expected to do to 3-5 hours of community service a week and continue employment with the company for at least two years.
Charlestown employees also participate in numerous community walking and running events and they grow a vegetable garden as part of a company emphasis on wellness.
Nibco has operated under five generations of family leadership and employee ownership. The company also makes products for commercial and institutional construction, residential plumbing and irrigation markets.
