WHITESTOWN, IN — Rockwell Automation, which specializes in industrial automation and information, announced plans Tuesday to establish operations in Boone County, IN, moving current operations in Champaign, IL, and Memphis, TN, to Indiana. With its growth, the company plans to create up to 231 new jobs by the end of 2023.
Rockwell Automation, headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, will invest more than $16.4 million to renovate and equip a 369,000-square-foot facility at 4255 S. 500 E. in the All Points at Anson development along I-65 in Whitestown. The new facility will serve as a distribution and warehouse operation for the company, consolidating its existing distribution centers in Illinois and Tennessee to enhance efficiencies and meet growing demand for its products, including its flagship Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software brands, that help companies optimize plant performance and improve productivity.
The company, which plans to be fully operational in Indiana by the spring of 2019, will partner with Switzerland-based logistics company Kuehne + Nagel to operate the facility. Rockwell Automation plans to close its other facilities in 2019 and will assist current employees in applying for similar positions in Indiana. The company plans to begin hiring for its Whitestown facility in the next few weeks.
“Indiana’s central location, pro-growth business climate and skilled workforce continue to attract leading companies from around the world,” Gov. Holcomb said. “With the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in the nation and a thriving tech ecosystem, Indiana is positioned to be a leader in smart manufacturing. We look forward to Rockwell Automation joining the Indiana team and being a critical resource for our 8,500 manufacturers across the state.”
Rockwell Automation is the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, enabling the next generation of smart manufacturing and helping companies be more productive and sustainable through its information-enabled portfolio that includes Integrated Architecture, Intelligent Motor Control, and Solutions and Services. The company, which employs approximately 22,000 people and serves customers in more than 80 countries, is focused on technology innovation, domain expertise, and integrity and corporate responsibility.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Rockwell Automation up to $1.75 million in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning that the company is not eligible to receive incentives until Hoosiers are hired. The town of Whitestown and Boone County will consider additional incentives for Kuehne + Nagel at the request of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation.
