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Novae expansion to create up to 75 new jobs by 2016, company says

Novae Corporation, a utility trailer manufacturer based in Markle, has announced plans to expand its operations in Huntington County, creating up to 75 new jobs by 2016.

The company will invest $5.9 million to construct and equip a 73,000-square-foot facility at the Markle Industrial Park, its fourth manufacturing facility in northeast Indiana since 2005. The new operation will be online and fully functional by November.

In 2010, the company made plans to invest $686,000 to purchase, redevelop and equip a 150,000-square-foot facility in Columbia City, creating up to 20 jobs by 2013. The company has since exceeded that goal, currently with approximately 350 full-time Indiana associates.

Novae plans to begin hiring CDL drivers, welders, painters, assembly personnel, administrative and management professionals for its new Markle facility in July.

"We chose Indiana again because of the overwhelmingly compelling value we see in pro-business minded government and in the dedicated and productive workforce that is readily available," says Mike Bermes, president and chief business development officer of Novae. "Government officials at every level here realize their role in serving the people of Indiana by helping create an environment where businesses can thrive. These facts coupled with Indiana's commitment to infrastructure and our geographic proximity make it hard to beat Indiana."

Founded in 1995, Novae designs and manufactures utility and cargo trailers, as well as lawn, garden and agricultural equipment. With its new production facility in Markle, the company also plans to add staff at its Columbia City, North Manchester and original Markle facilities to foster its continued growth. 
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Novae Corporation up to $450,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants 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. Huntington County approved additional incentives and the town of Markle is considering incentives at the request of the Huntington County United Economic Development Corporation.

"The town of Markle is very excited about continued growth at the Markle Industrial Park," said Jeff Humbarger, president of the Markle Town Board. "Success in the economic development world is defined by collaboration. We really appreciate the support we've received from the IEDC, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, Huntington County Economic Development and the county. It started a few years ago with an effort to make the site shovel ready and the team took that a step farther to acquire the site in order to expedite development. This is truly the definition of a winning team effort. The town board extends our congratulations to Novae and the team working to make this a reality."