02-25-09 Fortis Plastics selects South Bend for corporate center

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Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE February 25, 2009 9 a.m. Fortis Plastics selects South Bend for corporate center Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 or Don Inks, Director of Economic Development, or Robert Mathia, Assistant Director of Economic Development, 235-9371 Mayor Stephen J. Luecke today welcomed the designation by Fortis Plastics LLC of South Bend as a corporate center, a move that will bring as many as 184 new manufacturing and corporate-management jobs to the city by 2013. The extruder of plastic components used in a variety of industrial and consumer applications already has consolidated the operations of two Elkhart plants into a facility near the airport at 3615 Voorde Drive. But today the company announced that its corporate management functions will be focused in South Bend with select corporate activities continuing in Henderson, Ky. “After considering a number of locations and strategic plans, we believe that this arrangement will best position Fortis to continue growing and allow us to reach its potential for continued success,” said Joe Mallak, chief executive officer of Fortis Plastics LLC. “We appreciate the support and assistance of the various state and local governments we met with throughout this process, including Mayor Stephen Luecke and his team in South Bend. We look forward to continuing to work together in the best interest of Fortis, our employees and the South Bend community.” The company is undertaking a renovation of the 92,249-square-foot facility in South Bend, installing docks; upgrading electrical, heating and ventilation systems; and remodeling the front office. It also is purchasing new equipment for the facility that is estimated to cost $2,220,000. “We welcome this decision by the leadership of Fortis Plastics and are excited about the great investment they already are making in our community,” Mayor Luecke said. “South