UTV maker expanding, moving operations from Louisiana
Columbia City, Indiana-based American LandMaster, a manufacturer, designer and distributor of off-road utility vehicles, announced plans today to expand its operations in Indiana, creating up to 67 new jobs by 2020.
“For over 50 years, American LandMaster has been proud to manufacture UTVs and Off-Road vehicles that are truly made in the U.S.,” said Pat Morello, chief executive officer of American LandMaster. “We’re thrilled to continue this American-made tradition by investing in northern Indiana. Not only will the new facility create jobs, it will also position American LandMaster to continue our growth through enhanced quality, faster innovation and customer service.”
Founded in 1959, American LandMaster, an Ambassador Enterprises affiliate, has built and distributed more than 1 million American-made utility vehicles. The company, which established its first Indiana operations in 2012, offers its customers full size, crew and electric UTVs and go karts to meet the customer’s needs for work or play.
The company will invest more than $4 million to lease and equip a 112,000-square-foot space at 2499 S. 600 E. near U.S. Highway 30 in Columbia City. The new facility will serve as the company’s headquarters and will accommodate the consolidation of American LandMaster’s manufacturing operations in Roseland, Louisiana, and Fort Wayne. With plans to begin production at the new facility in September, the move will support the company’s efforts to increase efficiency of its operations, enhance customer service and increase its product lineup.
The new facility, which is less than 15 miles from the company’s manufacturing operations in Fort Wayne, will accommodate the company’s entire workforce in Indiana.
“Here in Indiana, businesses like American LandMaster provide more than 1.2 million jobs for Hoosier families,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “This week, we not only celebrate national small business week, but the success of American LandMaster in Indiana. We look forward to witnessing their growth as we continue our efforts to build a pro-growth business climate, support Indiana’s entrepreneurs and invest in our Hoosier workforce.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered ASW LLC (dba American LandMaster) up to $420,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $70,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The Whitley County Council is also considering additional incentives at the request of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation.
“We are pleased that American LandMaster has chosen to move its operations here to Whitley County,” said Whitley County Commissioner George Schrumpf. “Not only do we welcome the company to our community, we also want to warmly welcome and provide support to any employees who are considering relocating to the Whitley County community.”
American LandMaster is one of nearly 500,000 small businesses across Indiana which employ 1.2 million Hoosiers across the state, according to U.S. Small Business Administration. Today’s announcement helps mark National Small Business Week, which celebrates the small business community and its economic impact on Indiana.
PSB editor in chief Dave McMahon visited Fort Wayne last year for a media event and to learn more about the company. Read his story by clicking here.
