FlexForm Technologies, a producer of composite panels for automotive and office applications, recently announced it has chosen Indiana over New York to expand its operations, investing more than $5 million into a new production line and doubling its work force.

The company expects to add 39 new positions by 2009, following the completion of a 41,000 square foot addition to its Elkhart facility that will house its new office panel production line.

The expansion brings diversity to the company’s traditionally automotive–focused offerings and allows the company to produce flame retardant drop-in replacement panels for cubicle walls. Company officials acquired the technology to produce the new product from a defunct manufacturer in New York.

“After evaluating whether to operate the equipment in New York or move it to our facility here, we chose Indiana for several reasons,” said Gregg Baumbaugh, FlexForm Technologies chief executive. “Comparing the cost to do business in New York with Indiana showed that the best place for us to grow our business was here at home.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered the company $51,500 in grants and up to $215,000 in tax credits to encourage the company to locate in Indiana. The City of Elkhart also offered the company tax abatement worth an estimated $259,000 over a 3-year period.

Construction of the new facility began this month, and company officials expect to begin producing the new panels in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Established in 1999, FlexForm Technologies manufactures non-woven natural fiber composite mats and panel products that are strong, lightweight, moldable, and completely recyclable. These composite materials serve the needs of many industries including automotive, office interiors, aircraft, recreational vehicles, truck, commercial vehicles, absorbency, modular housing and packaging.

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