Released on May 6, 2009

Metal Technologies Inc., Auburn, Ind., will add ductile iron capabilities to its Auburn Casting Center metalcasting plant, creating up to 32 new permanent jobs and another 20 temporary positions by the end of the year, according to a press release issued by the State of Indiana.

The plant, which previously produced only gray iron castings for customers primarily in the small gasoline engine, compressor and construction markets, will invest more than $1.5 million to add ductile iron capabilities to its 170,000 sq.-ft. facility.

The Auburn Casting Center employs approximately 140 associates, and Metal Technologies employs another 70 at its corporate headquarters. According to the state of Indiana release, the company plans to begin the hiring immediately to prepare for the facility’s new production capabilities.

“This investment will position Metal Technologies Auburn to be a very flexible supplier, able to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers,” Matthew Fetter, president of Metal Technologies, said in the press release. “[The plant] has a very productive workforce, and the business environment in Indiana allows it to be one of the lowest cost producers in our industry, which is why we are confident in making this investment during challenging times for manufacturing.”

According to the state’s press release, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Metal Technologies up to $325,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $85,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans, and the City of Auburn will consider additional property tax phase-in at the request of the DeKalb County Economic Development Partnership.

The Metal Technologies group employs approximately 700 associates and is capable of producing more than 300,000 tons of iron castings annually at four manufacturing facilities in the U.S. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the expansion of capabilities and new hires but said company executives declined to comment further.