FCC (North America) LLC, Livonia, Mich., U.S., an automatic transmission clutch manufacturer, announced plans to expand its operations at its Berne, Ind., U.S., facility, creating as many as 73 new jobs by 2016. FCC (Adams), which began operations in 2003, will invest $129 million to expand and equip its 295,000-sq.-ft. facility by nearly 33%. The addition will include assembly lines, aluminum diecast machine cells, CNC lathes and drill machines. Construction was expected to start in May.
“FCC (Adams) is pleased to announce plans to expand its Berne, Ind., facility,” said Shinsuke Kambara, president, FCC (Adams). “The expansion is in response to growing customer demands and potential new business.”
FCC (Adams) is a subsidiary of its parent company, FCC Co. Ltd., Hamamatsu, Japan, which was established in 1988 and serves automotive customers like Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Honda R&D Co. and Ford. The company currently employs 340 people in Berne and plans to begin hiring production and assembly associates later this year. The company operates 21 plants in 10 countries, including three facilities located in the U.S. The FCC facility in Portland, Ind., U.S., is also expanding, announcing a plan to invest $15.5 million and create as many as 57 jobs by 2016.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered FCC (Adams) up to $275,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s investment plans. The city of Berne is considering additional incentives at the request of the Adams County Economic Development Corporation.
“FCC (Adams) is a tremendous asset to our community and Adams County,” said Berne Mayor Bill McKean. “As they continue to grow, we continue to be proud to have FCC in our community. This expansion is wonderful news and we are glad to be a part of helping FCC grow.”