FCC (Adams) LLC, Key Fasteners Corp. and Smith Brothers of Berne are expanding existing operations and adding about 100 jobs combined in the city about 45 minutes southeast of Fort Wayne.
The employers’ requests for tax breaks on more than $57 million in equipment and building expansions were approved by the Berne City Council.
“It’s been a real positive whirlwind,” said Larry Macklin, executive director of the Adams County Economic Development Corp.
James Beitler, city attorney, attended Monday night’s meeting. He shares Macklin’s enthusiasm.
“You’re talking jobs, jobs, jobs,” Beitler said Tuesday.
Auto parts supplier FCC is spending $6.3 million to expand its factory by about 75,000 square feet, where it will install $35 million in new equipment.
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Key Fasteners, which employs 87, supplies auto parts to Honda and other automakers. The manufacturer’s fasteners are used in engines, frames, brakes and fuel systems. The plant in Berne also makes all the wheel nuts used on Hondas built in North America.
“We’re fortunate. We’re very busy,” said John Johnston, Key Fasteners’ executive vice president.
The Japanese-owned company is adding more than 39,000 square feet onto its 82,500-square-foot factory in a $1.6 million expansion that is slated to finish in January. It will also install $8 million in equipment over the next two to three years.
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Smith Brothers, a custom furniture maker, is creating 45 jobs as it expands its operation by 110,000 square feet.
The company is investing about $5 million on construction of the two-floor addition. New equipment will cost about $1.7 million, said David Burson, company controller.
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