An Evansville-based wheel maker is firming-up its commitment to the Tri-State. WNIN’s John Gibson has details:
Accuride is investing $2 million and adding 15 jobs at its Henderson plant.
Henderson Judge-Executive Brad Schneider says the investment indicates the truck wheel manufacturer is staying put:
"You know, 15 new jobs is not the largest number of jobs you've ever seen announced and $2 million isn't the largest investment you've ever seen announced, however for this facility which in the past teetered on closure at times, this investment and these new jobs to me and to many of us make it apparent that Accuride is going to be here a long, long, time."
Accuride Director of Operations Rob Jozwiak noted the 50th anniversary of the plant, which opened in 1974 as a Firestone facility, is approaching:
"I want to keep us here another 50 years so then folks that have worked here in the past and their kids and grandkids can make sure we maintain this facility. So, we're not goin’ anywhere."
Schneider says Henderson County agreed to waive its occupational tax for new employees at Accuride:
"That coupled with some state incentives that Accuride got helped seal this deal and make sure the expansion, investment, and the new jobs were added here and not somewhere else in the Accuride universe."
Officials say the new jobs at Accuride will pay $39 an hour with benefits.