Spartan Adding Jobs in Elkhart County

The facility manufactures the company's Utilimaster brand vans.

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Michigan-based Spartan Fleet Vehicles and Service has announced plans to expand operations in Elkhart County. The expansion, which involves a nearly $11 million investment from Spartan, could create nearly 150 jobs by 2019. Spartan Fleet Vehicles and Service is a unit of Spartan Motors Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR). The company says the expansion will increase production of its Utilimaster brand walk-in vans, parcel delivery vans, along with other products.

"Our rapid growth is a testament to the value we deliver to our customers, and to the good work we’re doing here every day," said John Forbes, president of Spartan Fleet Vehicles and Services. "Now in our 44th year, we’re thrilled to continue to do business and grow in the state of Indiana. We couldn’t do it without the contributions of our dedicated team members."

Spartan currently has nearly 700 employees in Indiana and has already hired more than 40 employees this year toward its goal of 147 with this expansion. The company plans to hire for administrative, manufacturing and material handling positions.

Spartan has been offered up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. The company will not be eligible to claim the performance-based incentives until Hoosiers are hired.

"Indiana’s rich history in the automotive industry continues to attract new business and support job creation in today’s economy, helping the Hoosier state earn recognition as a top state for business," said Governor Mike Pence. "Indiana ranks third in the country for automotive manufacturing production because of companies like Spartan Motors that serve commercial vehicle needs nationwide. As a state, we are committed to supporting job creators by cutting costs and taxes, reducing burdensome regulations and investing in our hardworking Hoosier workforce, ensuring that Indiana is a state that works for business."