Omen USA, a manufacturer of aluminum parts for the automotive industry, announced plans Monday, Dec. 10, to expand its manufacturing operations in Richmond, creating up to 200 new jobs by 2022.
Omen USA, which is a subsidiary of the Israel-based Omen Casting Group, will invest more than $15 million to increase its production at 1600 Rich Road, expanding its 76,000-square-foot facility by an additional 21,000 square feet and adding new production lines.
The company, which announced plans in 2016 to locate its first North American operations in Indiana, plans to start work on the addition next spring in order to meet growing demand from automotive original equipment manufacturers in the United States and Germany for its aluminum drivelines, steering components and oil pumps.
“Indiana is home to a global economy, with foreign-owned businesses like Omen USA that support more than 193,000 quality jobs for Hoosiers,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said in a news release from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. “Indiana and Israel share important economic ties, and I was pleased to meet with Israeli government officials and business executives like Omen Casting Group Owner Yehuda Ben-Haim in Tel Aviv this spring to show our appreciation for their contributions to our state. As we work to strengthen the Indiana-Israel relationship, Omen USA will play a key role in taking our partnership to the next level.”
Omen USA employs 100 associates in Indiana. It plans to begin hiring for all levels of manufacturing positions in the spring of 2019. Interested applicants may apply on site at the Omen USA facility or view open positions online.
“Indiana’s business climate and the skilled local workforce have allowed Omen to ramp up our operations and our headcount quickly since finalizing plans to establish operation in Richmond in 2016,” said Doug Baldwin, EVP for Omen USA, in the release. “Expanding and increasing our production in Indiana will allow us to increase production for customers while continuing to add more quality jobs to the community.”
Omen Casting Group, which is headquartered in Kibbutz Hatzor, Israel, was established in 1946 and now has operations in Israel, Portugal and Indiana. The company produces aluminum parts primarily for the automotive industry, providing steering, engine and driveline needs to manufacturers located across the U.S., Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia.
“I am thrilled to hear Omen USA is continuing to expand in their first North American facility here in Richmond,” said Richmond Mayor Dave Snow in the release. “Our relationship with Omen has been strong from the onset, and we continue to lay groundwork for much more mutual success in the future! I want to thank the Omen USA team for their continued commitment to our great city!”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Omen USA up to $1.6 million in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.
The Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County will provide a $237,000 general purpose grant for the company to use to offset expenses in building improvements, the purchase of new equipment or for the training of new employees. Omen USA will also seek real and personal property tax abatement.
Omen USA is one of eight Israeli business establishments with operations in Indiana, joining companies such as Resin Home Design Products, ICL Performance, MCP USA, Taditel Automotive Electronics and Polyram Compounds. Together, these firms employ more than 500 Hoosiers around the state.