Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from plastics packaging producer TriEnda LLC today to announce the company's plans to locate a manufacturing operation in the former Thomson Manufacturing center here, creating more than 340 new jobs by 2012.

The maker and distributor of thermoformed plastic pallets, trays and materials handling and packaging products plans to invest more than $20 million to site a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center at the former center in the northeast Indiana city.

"Even in a bad national and world economy, Indiana keeps taking steps forward. We're so pleased that TriEnda chose Indiana for this new facility. Bringing this once thriving manufacturing center back to life is phenomenal news for the community and our state," said Daniels.

Founded in 1975, the Wisconsin-headquartered company plans to begin hiring machine operators, finishers, warehouse technicians, automation specialists, supervisors and office staff immediately in preparation for production beginning at the site in December.

"The demand for our products continues to increase, and finding a location to site an additional production facility was essential to ensure we keep pace with the continued growth," said Curt Zamec, president and owner of TriEnda LLC. "After conducting a nationwide search, we found the ideal location here in Marion and look forward to starting production soon."

The company's offering of more than 100 different heavy- to light-duty shipping containers and packaging materials in addition to its custom designed products has allowed the company to become an international supplier of shipping products for clients in the automotive, agriculture, government, grocery food processing and textile industries. In 2007, the company exported products to Western Europe, Canada, Mexico and Australia in addition to its North American sales.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered TriEnda LLC up to $1.85 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $130,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans.  The state will also provide Marion with a grant of up to $325,000 to improve rail access to the site.  The city of Marion will provide the company with property tax abatement, improve rail service to the site and facilitate lease hold improvements and equipment installation.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome TriEnda to Marion," said Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold. "Bringing this world-class company here once again shows the power of collaboration between the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the city of Marion and the Grant County Economic Growth Council."

The announcement of TriEnda LLC locating in Indiana marks the second manufacturing operation to locate in the area in the past month. Earlier this month international gear maker Brevini announced plans to locate its U.S. headquarters and first North American gear design and manufacturing center in nearby Muncie, creating more than 450 new jobs by 2011.

About TriEnda LLC
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Portage, Wis., TriEnda LLC is a manufacturer of heavy-gauge, single and twin sheet thermoformed plastic products for the material handling and packaging industry. The company operates in six categories: distribution and warehouse, self-palletized returnable shipping systems, custom engineered dunnage and packaging and packaging and manufacturing storage. The company's products are used in the automotive, agriculture, government, grocery food processing and textile markets. For more information about TriEnda, visit www.TriEnda.com.