Japan-Based Company Picks Indiana for First U.S. Manufacturing Facility

Indy Chamber News Archives

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Aug. 2, 2017) – Kimura Foundry America, a global manufacturer of alloy castings for the automotive and industrial sectors, announced plans today to locate its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Shelbyville, Indiana.

"Indiana is a global destination for companies from around the world looking for a place to locate, grow and add new jobs,” said Jim Schellinger, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. “Kimura’s decision continues a long trend of international companies, including many from Japan, choosing to make Indiana their U.S. home. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to develop a close friendship with Japan, and we’re excited to welcome our friends at Kimura Foundry America to Indiana.”
 
The company, which is a subsidiary of the Japan-based Kimura Group, will invest $8 million into its new Indiana operations, with plans to open by December 2018. The company has purchased a 10-acre property at 1200 Enterprise Drive in Shelbyville, and plans to break ground in October on a 35,200-square-foot facility, which will house high-tech 3D printing equipment. The new facility will allow the company to produce high-value, complex castings and molds for its quickly-growing U.S. clients in the automotive and pump manufacturing industries.
 
Kimura Foundry America is now recruiting for positions at its Shelbyville facility, which will include casting engineers, 3D model designers, casting simulation professionals and 3D printer operators, as well as foundry and inspection employees. As part of its growth, the company plans to create up to 20 new jobs by 2020. These positions are expected to pay an average wage above the state average. Interested applicants may apply online at www.kimurafoundry.com.
 
“When we were searching for our first U.S. manufacturing partner, Indiana offered exactly what we were seeking,” said Yoya Fukuda, Ph.D., president of Kimura Foundry America. “That is because Indiana is strategically located in the epicenter of the industries we serve. The state’s highly-developed transportation networks and its highly-skilled manufacturing workforce were an excellent match. Indiana has a long history of welcoming Japanese companies to the state, and we are looking forward to joining the many other Japanese companies in Shelby County.”
 
Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, Kimura Group employs more than 830 associates at its 10 facilities across three campuses in Japan and at its North American sales office near Chicago. The company uses a proprietary process for casting molds using 3D printing technology, allowing it to manufacture products including stamping die castings and machine and industrial tool castings. These products are used in automotive engine parts, pumps, compressors and energy components.
 
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Kimura Foundry America Inc. up to $225,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $25,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Shelbyville approved additional incentives at the request of the Shelby County Development Corporation.
 
“We are very pleased that Kimura has chosen Shelby County as their first U.S. venture,” said Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun. “Association with our sister city has shown that personal relationships are important. The high-tech nature of this industry is very exciting for our community.”
 
Indiana is a global manufacturing center, with companies from around the world choosing to locate their operations in Indiana, which last week was ranked No. 1 in the nation by Business Facilities for its high concentration of manufacturing jobs. Approximately 280 Japanese manufacturing establishments currently call Indiana home, which employ more than 58,000 Hoosiers.

About Kimura Foundry America
Kimura Foundry America, a subsidiary of Japan-based Kimura Group, is committed to developing and refining its casting technology to produce castings of the highest quality for its customers. The Kimura Group is known throughout the world for its proficiency with the full mold casting process and we undertake work from an ever broadening industrial spectrum. But our desire to improve and expand the full mold casting technique - to push back the boundaries - is as firm as ever.

About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov. 
 

 
Media Contacts:
Yoyo Fukuda, Ph.D. (Kimura Foundry America) – 224.806.1520 or [email protected]
Abby Gras (IEDC) – 317.232.8845 or [email protected]