D.A. Inc. announces construction of new manufacturing facility and creation of 21 additional jobs
CHARLESTOWn, Ind. (April 29, 2015) — In tandem with One Southern Indiana (1si), the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the River Ridge Commerce Center (RRCC) and the City of Charlestown, Ind., D.A. Inc. and its parent company, Kojima Industries, announced today the construction of a 38,000-s.f., $3.5 million manufacturing facility at the River Ridge Commerce Center that will create 21 new jobs over the next two years.
The project was announced today at a groundbreaking ceremony on the company’s new site in the River Ridge Commerce Center. Founded in 1988, the Charlestown-based D.A. Inc. is a custom plastic injection molder for the automotive industry and a Tier 1 and Tier 2 Supplier of Toyota. The total investment of $10,614,000 will include the land purchase, building construction and new equipment.
With a second facility in New Mexico and affiliates across the world, D.A. Inc.’s project will include manufacturing operations in Charlestown to supply its Midwest customer base. The current Charlestown facility is a distribution center and corporate office for D.A. Inc. Company officials estimate parts sales to grow approximately 20 percent by 2020 compared to 2014 sales, spurring the decision to build a new facility to house a highly automated production operation.
“The sincere hospitality and support shown to us over the years by the City of Charlestown, Clark County, the State of Indiana, One Southern Indiana and the residents of this community are what attracted us here in 1988, and it remains the primary reason we choose to expand our operation here,” stated President and C.O.O. Kenji Kanii. “We are invested in this community and its citizens – not only as a business partner but also as our friends and neighbors.”
Jerry Acy, executive director of the RRCC, added, “We are very excited about the new construction taking place in the northern section of River Ridge. D.A. Inc.’s new facility will be the first big step in an ongoing process to convert the frontage and North End entrance on Highway 62 into a modern and attractive industrial area that would impress the most discerning corporate and/or manufacturing prospect.”
The IEDC offered D.A. Inc. up to $150,000 in Economic Development for a Growing Economy (“EDGE”) conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Indiana residents are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. At the request of 1si, the River Ridge Development Authority will consider additional property tax abatement and business advantages through the business park’s Urban Enterprise Zone.
“Indiana continues to create a low-cost, low-regulation business environment that is garnering attention and attracting new companies to the state from across the globe,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “But D.A. Inc.’s commitment to its community and its choice to expand here demonstrate the ongoing importance of our state’s foundation. The values we hold and live every day as Hoosiers are vital to our economic success.”
“This is the sixth time Kojima Industries and D.A. Inc. have announced substantial growth in our community,” said Charlestown Mayor Bob Hall, who was in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony. “Because they are such a tremendous corporate citizen and community partner and have a long history providing jobs for Hoosier families, we are delighted Charlestown has once again been selected as the best place for their investment. We appreciate everything they have done here for over two decades, and we look forward to many more years of their continuing success.”
“It is incredibly rewarding to see a company who we’ve come to know so well over the last two decades make a decision to not only stay here, but also to invest in the growth and vibrancy of Southern Indiana,” said Wendy Dant Chesser, president and CEO of 1si. “The construction of D.A. Inc.’s new facility is a good example of the resurgence of the automotive industry and is precisely the type of long-term, job-creating employer we want in the River Ridge Commerce Center and Charlestown, adding capital investment, new jobs and enhancing our area’s economic vitality.”
About D.A. Inc.
Established in 1988 and opening offices in Charlestown, Ind. the next year, D.A. Inc. is a custom plastic injection molder to the automotive industry, specializing in plastic clamps, clips, and protectors. D.A. Inc. received ISO TS16949-2002 certification in 2006. It has been recognized as an industry leader several times, receiving the prestigious New United Motor Manufacturing Supplier Superior Award for Cost Quality and Delivery in 2004 and 2005, and the Excellence Award in 1999 and 2003. In 2009 D.A. Inc. was the winner of the Toyota Supplier Launch Performance Award and in 2013, the Toyota Supplier Quality Performance Achievement Award. To learn more about D.A. Inc. and their products, please see their website at www.daiwa-da.com.
About One Southern Indiana:
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area.
Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in the initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. For more information on One Southern Indiana: 1si.org.
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