Israeli Auto Supplier To Triple Indiana Workforce

Omen USA will expand its manufacturing operations in Richmond, IN and create up to 200 new jobs by 2022.

Omen USA, a manufacturer of aluminum parts for the automotive industry will invest more than $15 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Richmond, IN and create up to 200 new jobs by 2022.

Richmond, IN
(Photo: Omen USA / Facebook)

“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.  “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 USA, a subsidiary of the Israel-based Omen Casting Group, will expand its 76,000-square-foot facility in Wayne County by an additional 21,000 square feet and add 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 U.S. and Germany for its aluminum drivelines, steering components and oil pumps.

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. The tax credits are performance-based, so until workers 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, purchase new equipment or for training new employees. Omen USA will also seek real and personal property tax abatement.

“Indiana is home to a global economy, with foreign-owned businesses like Omen USA that support more than 193,000 quality jobs for Hoosiers,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “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 Casting Group, headquartered in Kibbutz Hatzor, Israel, 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.

Omen USA is one of eight Israeli business establishments with operations in Indiana, joining companies like Resin Home Design Products, ICL Performance, MCP USA, Taditel Automotive Electronics and Polyram Compounds. Together, these firms employ more than 500 workers around the state.

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