12/7/2005
Media Contact:
John F. Walker, The Indy Partnership, 317-464-5413
Steve Campbell, City of Indianapolis, 317-327-2650 |
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Gatorade serves up new jobs in Indy
INDIANAPOLIS - Gatorade, a division of PepsiCo, plans to increase the workforce at one of its local manufacturing facilities by 10 percent in response to growing demand for the popular sports drink.
The company expects to create 40 to 50 new jobs at its operation located at 5858 Decatur Blvd. in Ameriplex Park which currently has 411 workers. Statewide, PepsiCo, Gatorade’s parent company, employs nearly 4,000 people.
Additionally, Gatorade will make a capital investment in new and retrofitted equipment at the Decatur Blvd. plant totaling $24 million. State, city and private economic development officials assisted Gatorade with its expansion project.
"The Gatorade brand continues to grow as a result of exciting innovation, great marketing and consumers’ understanding of the functional benefits of Gatorade," said Lance Oxley, plant manager for the Indianapolis Gatorade manufacturing facility. "Next year we will open a new facility in Wytheville, Virginia, and we are excited to expand our presence here in Indianapolis, the home of the one of the largest Gatorade plants in the United States."
The City of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Economic Development (IED) assisted Gatorade with its expansion plans.
The city has offered Gatorade a seven-year property tax abatement on $20 million of its investment for new manufacturing and packaging equipment. The abatement is expected to save the company more than $1 million over the seven-year period.
"Gatorade’s commitment to grow in our city is wonderful news and shows that Indianapolis is a great place to do business," Mayor Bart Peterson said. "We’re glad to help them prosper here."
IED provided needed economic development data to Gatorade and guided the company through the process required to receive the city and state incentives.
"Gatorade is a valued corporate citizen and employer on our westside. These are good-paying jobs that will really boost our local economy," said Jeb Conrad, executive director of IED.
The expansion project is due to be completed by December 2006.
Indianapolis Economic Development is a member of The Indy Partnership, a privately-funded, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening economic and job growth in the 11-county Indianapolis Region - Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Shelby and Tippecanoe counties. Located in Indianapolis, The Indy Partnership has a full-time professional staff ready to assist clients interested in business expansion or relocation in the Indianapolis Region. More information is available at www.indypartnership.com.
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