A Kendallville auto supplier plans to invest $1.4 million in new equipment and create 12 jobs as it diversifies its product line, a city official said Friday.
Creative Liquid Coatings Inc. molds and paints exterior body parts from plastics, composites and metals. The company, 2620 Marion Drive, now employs more than 240, Kendallville Mayor Suzanne Handshoe said.
“They continue to grow and invest, and we’re thrilled,” Handshoe said.
The investment will go toward one new molding machine, which will allow the company to expand beyond the auto industry to make trash cans, she said. Company officials couldn’t be reached for comment late Friday.
Creative Liquid Coatings is seeking a tax break on the investment. If granted, the manufacturer would save an estimated $400,000 over 10 years, the mayor said.
The project is the second jobs announcement in as many days from the Noble County city of 9,900 residents.
The newest abatement request is scheduled to come up for a vote Tuesday evening during Kendallville’s City Council meeting.
That’s the same meeting when officials are expected to approve a tax break for startup manufacturing operation Wolfpack Chassis LLC, which plans to invest $1.9 million and create up to 100 jobs in its first year.
Wolfpack will build chassis – or the supporting frames – for recreational vehicles and manufactured homes at 800 Weston Ave.
“I have a very pro-business, proactive council, and they do see these abatements very favorably,” Handshoe said.
Creative Liquid Coatings, which is now hiring, expects to create 12 new production jobs that pay $12 to $16 an hour.
Handshoe described it as “a very visionary company.”
This could be the second tax abatement for Creative Liquid Coatings in less than three years. The employer invested in $2.5 million in robots and other equipment in early 2010.
