Autoline Industries to expand in Northeast Indiana

Executives from Autoline Industries, an India-based engineering and automotive parts manufacturing company, joined Indiana Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob and members of the Indiana delegation in Mumbai, India this week to announce the company's plans to expand its Butler, Ind. operations, creating up to 25 new jobs by 2013. Autoline Industries manufactures pedal assemblies and spare tire kits at its Dekalb County facility, which opened in 2008 and has since grown to 80 employees. The company expects to make a $1.5 million investment in manufacturing equipment and building improvements to accommodate increased demand from automotive OEMs. "India is one of the fastest growing world economies and we are here this week to cultivate relationships with companies so that when they look to invest in the U.S. market, our state is a top of mind location," said Roob. "Our promising discussions thus far with Autoline and others have reinforced the fact that Indiana can compete on an international stage." Established in India in 1995, the company employs more than 2,000 associates across the world and recorded $99 million in revenue in fiscal year 2010. "Autoline remains committed to its expansion in the U.S. and the foundation we have built in Indiana gives us a strong basis from which to grow. We believe the talent pool available in Indiana makes the state a very strong magnet for growing our business," said Sri Bramadesam, Autoline president. "In addition, we are appreciative of the support we've received from community banks like Tower Bank." The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Autoline Industries up to $225,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Butler will provide additional property tax abatement at the request of the Dekalb County Economic Development Partnership. "The city of Butler and its citizens are extremely happy to learn that another 25 jobs will be created at Autoline Industries in Butler," said Mayor Ron Walter. "We look forward to the expansion and the positive effects it will bring to our local economy. 25 new jobs in our city should provide an economic boost to some of our hard working citizens who, through no fault of their own, have had recent difficulties in maintaining basic living standards." Autoline's expansion announcement in Butler comes just days after Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob departed on a trade mission to India with a dozen Indiana business and academic leaders. The week-long trip, which includes meetings with more than 30 Indian businesses, is the state's first jobs mission to India and is funded entirely through private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation. Autoline is an integrated Design, Engineering and Manufacturing company, focused on producing BIW (Body-in White) complete sheet metal welded assemblies and mechanisms. The U.S. operations of Autoline Industries Ltd., has a manufacturing facility in Butler, Ind. Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC.