3/22/2007
Media Contact:
Todd McCall
The Indy Partnership
317.464.5416
Justin Ohlemiller
City of Indianapolis
317.327.3690
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REDCATS USA GROWS INDIANAPOLIS OPERATIONS WITH $18.9 MILLION INVESTMENT
Indianapolis, IN (March 21st, 2007) – Redcats USA, a multi-channel home shopping leader specializing in apparel, lifestyle & domestics and sporting goods, announced today that it will make a nearly $18.9 million capital investment over the next five years in overall business improvements to its current 750,000 sq. ft. Indianapolis facility, which is located southeast of downtown along 2300 Southeastern Avenue.
Redcats USA, a division of the French-owned Redcats Group, said the investment will create 42 new jobs at an average pay rate of $30.34 per hour and will retain 894 employees at an average wage of $17.57 per hour. Redcats USA currently employs more than 1,000 associates between its Southeastern Avenue and Plainfield facilities.
“We are very proud of our rich history, especially considering that Redcats USA has been a major employer in the Indianapolis area for more than 60 years, hiring generations of families and building strong relationships with other organizations in the community,” said Chip E. Edgington, Executive Vice President of Operations for Redcats USA. “Not only do we strongly believe that partnering with the city and state will prove to be a sound, long-term investment in our employees, their families, and the local communities where they live, but it will ultimately enhance the customer’s shopping experience - one of our highest priorities.”
During the next five years, Redcats USA plans to complete several projects, including significant technology upgrades to its computer systems (expanding internal web network, business recovery project, major commitment in our existing system portfolio), continued investment in the purchase and maintenance of state-of-the-art fulfillment center equipment, as well as considerable facility improvements.
“Redcats USA has been a good corporate citizen for more than six decades, and we’re pleased to have them continue their commitment to Indianapolis,” said Mayor Bart Peterson. “We’ve made a strong commitment to create a pro-growth environment and compete on a global basis for quality jobs and investment, and this expansion of Redcats USA is another sign of our continued progress and surging economy.”
Mayor Peterson and interim President and CEO of the Indy Partnership Gordon Hendry met with Redcats USA executives and toured the facility in 2005.
“We are really starting to see a wave of expansion of current companies within the Indianapolis region,” said Gordon Hendry. “Many companies who depend on logistics are finding that our low-cost of doing business and central location give them a competitive advantage.”
The City’s incentive package includes an eight-year real and personal property tax abatement, valued at approximately $1.8 million and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation has offered $200,000 in self-enhancement fund grants, $350,000 in edge credits and $200,000 in Hoosier Business Investment Tax Credits.
“Creating an environment that encourages growth is essential to Indiana’s economic success,” said Nathan Feltman, Indiana Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Redcats commitment to Indiana is yet another indication that Indiana is becoming one of the locations of choice for businesses around the world.”
Indianapolis Economic Development provided key resources and helped to facilitate the deal. Executive Director Jeb Conrad sees this expansion as a sign of things to come for Marion County.
“We were glad to have played a role in assisting Redcats USA with the decision to make this investment and commitment in our City. It is yet another indication that we are well positioned to carry forward the momentum of business growth from our 2006 record year,” said Conrad.
About Redcats USA:
Redcats USA is a multi-channel home shopping leader with eleven well-known brands in its portfolio: Chadwick’s, metrostyle™, Woman Within, Jessica London, Roaman’s, La Redoute USA, KingSize, BrylaneHome, BrylaneHome Kitchen, The Sportsman’s Guide and The Golf Warehouse. Redcats USA offers a wide range of value and quality driven merchandise categories, including missy apparel, men's and women's plus-size apparel, home and lifestyle products, and outdoor gear.
Redcats USA is a division of Redcats Group, a global leader in Home Shopping for apparel and home furnishing. Drawing on a multichannel network combining catalogues, e-commerce and stores, Redcats generated 4.33 billion euros of sales in 2006 with 17 brands in 28 countries and a staff of 20,000 associates. International sales account for 53% of the total. Redcats is a PPR Company. For any further information: www.redcats.com.
Indianapolis’ Fast Start in 2007
- Site Selection and Expansion Management named the Indianapolis MSA as a top metro.
- Bio and Battelle ranked the Indianapolis life sciences workforce the ninth largest in the county.
Expansions and growth:
- AT&T – 425 new jobs , $4.6 million investment
- Allegiant Global Services – 123 new jobs , $26.00 per hour
- Exact Target – 90 new jobs, $36.00 per hour
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