Gator Cases Inc. said it plans to invest more than $350,000 in new molding equipment at its operations in Grabill, Ind., creating up to 25 new jobs by 2014.
The new machinery, which the company expects to be operational by November, will nearly double the production capacity at the 32,000-square-foot site.
Tampa, Fla.-based Gator manufactures hard cases and bags to protect musical instruments and audio products. In 2008, Gator acquired XL Specialty Percussion Inc. in Grabill, a company known for its rotational molded drum and percussion cases.
Gator employs 54 people globally, including 23 employees in Grabill. The company said it plans to begin hiring additional manufacturing and support personnel this month.
"This investment in a new rotational molding machine and downstream manufacturing support equipment will greatly increase our capacity and capabilities to produce larger products," said Jeff Settano, vice president of global operations at Gator.
"The new equipment, along with our recent implementation of lean manufacturing principles, will continue us down the path to world class manufacturing in Grabill, Ind."
Founded in 2000, Gator has manufacturing facilities in Grabill and China and sells products to customers in 65 countries.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Gator up to $100,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job-creation plans.
The town of Grabill will consider additional property-tax abatement at the request of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance, according to the state.
