KIK plant expansion could bring 200 new jobs to Elkhart

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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A proposed expansion of the KIK aerosol plant in Elkhart would translate into approximately 200 new jobs

A proposed expansion of KIK Custom Products in Elkhart would translate into approximately 200 new jobs. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Mar 17, 2008 at 1:18 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 22, 2008 at 5:56 PM EST

ELKHART — Monday night the Elkhart City Council will discuss a proposed tax abatement package for KIK Custom Products.

Tax breaks would allow the firm to go ahead with a $26 million expansion, a project that would translate into roughly 200 new jobs.

Word of the proposed expansion project comes at a good time, as several area RV firms have laid off employees.

The WorkOne employment office has been busy for the last couple of weeks. Recent layoffs mean more and more people are looking for a job.

"Monday is always our busiest day,” said Denise Tiller with WorkOne.
“We're averaging anywhere between 200-300 people and then every day from that point on, we're around the 100 range, so anywhere between 400-600 people through the week."

Jennifer Labeau is one of those people.

"Well I've just been laid off last week and yes I'm looking for employment,” she told WSBT News. “Although they say they're going to call me back shortly, but you just never know."

Given the economic news locally the last couple of weeks, word of the potential for up to 200 new jobs has been well received.

"I think it’s a really good sign, really,” said Kyle Hannon with the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce. “Anytime you're announcing job expansion, that's good news and I think people need to keep that in mind. It’s not the doom and gloom that the people are starting to worry about. I know people are concerned what the economy [is] going to be."

And for Jennifer, it sounds like hope.

"Yes, that does,” she said. “You know a lot of it is the pay, of course, hourly pay, but it does seem very promising."

If the city signs off on a tax abatement program, expansion work could begin at the KIK plant in April. Part of that would involve building several new production lines.

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