Masterbrand announces more expansion in Ferdinand
Ferdinand — Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann joined Dave Randich, president of MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc. (MBCI) and Town Council President Ken Sicard Friday to announce the company’s plans to expand its operations in Ferdinand.
The $8 million dollar expansion will create up to 262 new jobs by the end of 2016. According to Randich, the company will begin hiring immediately.
“MasterBrand is committed to strategic growth that positions us to drive market share and increase our value proposition,” said Dave Randich, president of MBCI. “As we expand our Ferdinand manufacturing operations, we provide both new and current employees with opportunities for development and advancement. We are proud to be a member of this community and support our local craftsmen who develop and produce high-quality, innovative cabinetry products used by consumers across the United States.”
The town of Ferdinand continues to grow and benefit from its corporate partners continued success. During a special press conference at MasterBrand Cabinets, it was announced that MasterBrand’s 3rd Street plant will be expanding even further. Earlier this year, MasterBrand announced a $1.5 million dollar expansion, creating 135 new jobs. Today it was revealed MasterBrand is going to invest an additional $8 million dollars in equipment and expansion, bringing in another 262 new jobs. Thank you to MasterBrand Cabinets for believing in Ferdinand and keeping your growth here in Dubois County!!!
The Jasper-headquartered company will invest approximately $8 million in equipment that will add additional capacity and expand the product offering at its 500,000 square-foot facility located at 624 W. 3rd St. in Ferdinand. MBCI, which currently employs more than 3,500 associates at its six Indiana facilities and more than 1,500 in Ferdinand, plans to begin hiring cabinet assemblers, component pullers, shipping helpers, supervision and quality positions later this year.
Ellspermann joked during her remarks that it was great to be able to sleep in her own bed in Ferdinand overnight.
“Governor Mike Pence and I congratulate the team at MasterBrand for their success that makes this announcement possible today. Today we celebrate more economic development in Indiana and more jobs for Hoosiers. Our business friendly tax and regulatory policies make Indiana a great place for businesses to start, expand and prosper,” said Ellspermann. “I take special pleasure in this announcement because MasterBrand is expanding in my hometown of Ferdinand, with its headquarters in Dubois County as well.”
Ellspermann stated that Masterbrand had been exploring options around the country for their expansion but saw that Ferdinand made the most sense. “We are very proud of that,” she said.
It’s very exciting here in Ferdinand to see the recovery of manufacturing jobs in the Midwest and in the State of Indiana,” Randich said. “Manufacturing jobs are vitally important to our economy both on the local level and national level; and the Town of Ferdinand and the State of Indiana are leading the way.”
Town Council President Sicard stated he felt the recent announcement regarding Ferdinand’s upcoming switch to purchasing electricity from Florida-based Next Era was important in the company’s decision. “As they bring in machinery, it is basically all run off of electricity,” Sicard said. “I deal with the electricity with my employer and I know those rates are important. They now know that the cost won’t change over the next three years.”
The expansion doesn’t come without challenges though. The county currently faces a lack of affordable housing for the qualified workforce it is trying to attract. “As Masterbrand brings in even more people, it becomes an even greater challenge, ” Sicard said. “We have been doing some thinking ahead of time and now Dubois Strong is getting involved. [Councilwoman] Debbie Johnson has volunteered to be on their committee to look into it. We just have to find a way to grow our town slowly.”
Randich explained the expansion was due to the continued success of the Aristokraft line. “As new construction recovers in the United States and more people are willing to remodel their kitchen and bathroom,” he said. “And as these things occur, people obviously need cabinets. That is directly helping Aristrokraft not only grow with the market but increase market share.”
Today’s announcement marks MBCI’s second Indiana expansion in recent years. In March 2013, the home cabinetry manufacturer announced plans to add 76 new jobs in Goshen, Ind. As of March 2014, the company has exceeded that goal, adding more than 109 associates at this location.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc. up to $1,250,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Ferdinand approved additional tax abatement at the request of Dubois Strong.
“The town of Ferdinand is thrilled and honored that MasterBrand made their determination to expand their business here,” said Ken Sicard, president of Ferdinand Town Council. “MasterBrand and their employees are an important asset as we work to grow our community.”
“We are extremely happy and gratified that Masterbrand chose to continue their expansion here in town,” Town Manager Chris James said. “You are looking at almost 400 jobs and $9.5 million in investment in a three year window. It’s just fantastic.”
Founded in 1954 in Celestine, Ind., Masterbrand is a subsidiary of Fortune Brands Home & Security and manufactures standard to custom made cabinet brands such as Aristokraft®, Decorá®, Omega®, Homecrest Cabinetry® and Diamond®, which are sold directly to kitchen and bath dealers, home centers, wholesalers and large builders. MBCI actively supports the local community through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, The Nature Conservancy, American Red Cross and Junior Achievement. MBCI operates more than 25 manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and retail stores throughout North America and employs more than 10,000 people.
