A supplier of aftermarket automotive and truck components is setting up shop in Merrillville and could create up to 150 jobs by 2024.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. announced Sept. 23 that Chicago-based Midwest Truck & Auto Parts, is expanding its Midwest operations and will move into a 125,000-square-foot facility at the AmeriPlex at the Crossroads Business Park. The new facility gives the company operational efficiencies and the space it needs to meet growing demand.
Midwest plans to be fully operational in Indiana in 2021, according to the IEDC.
“Indiana's pro-growth business climate and skilled workforce continue to attract investment from all over the country and around the world,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb. “It’s an exciting day as we celebrate Midwest Truck’s decision to fuel its growth in Indiana, and I’m so grateful for the company's commitment to increasing its footprint and creating quality career opportunities in Northwest Indiana.”
Midwest has locations in California, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, and Texas. Its headquarters is in Chicago.
“With more than 70 years in the industry and 180 employees across the country, our company is looking to the future, advancing quality products and services, becoming more flexible to meet customer demand and expectations,” said Michael Chudacoff, business development manager at Midwest. “As we explored options to better serve our customers, Indiana’s friendly business climate and Merrillville’s location resonated with us as the ideal place for our expanded operations.”
Merrillville Redevelopment Commissioner Shawn Pettit said investing into the Crossroads Business Park has paid off for his community adding, “distribution operations continue to make the move to Lake County, Indiana.”
Midwest was founded in 1946 as a military surplus and civilian truck parts supplier. It has evolved into a global supplier of heavy, medium, and light duty truck and automotive aftermarket components and assemblies.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Midwest Truck & Auto Parts Inc. up to $1.5 million in conditional tax credits based on its job creation plans. The tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.
The town of Merrillville also is considering additional incentives at the request of the Lake County Indiana Economic Alliance.
