Chase Plastic Services, Inc., a specialty engineering thermoplastic stocking distributor, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 14 new jobs by 2017.

The Clarkston, Michigan-based company will invest $5.82 million to construct and equip a new 125,000 square-foot facility in South Bend. The facility, which will be fully operational by September 2015, will allow the company to expand its bulk storage space and enhance packaging and logistics capabilities by doubling its loading dock area.

“Strong infrastructure and a central location are part of what makes Indiana a hub for business logistics,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Companies also find low taxes, less red tape and an elite workforce here, making the Crossroads of America a great choice for companies like Chase Plastics.”

Chase Plastics plans to begin hiring for direct labor, material handling and mid-management positions in early 2015. Interested applicants may apply by visiting www.chaseplastics.com.

“After evaluating surrounding areas, we concluded that South Bend remains a logistical advantage for us to provide just-in-time and next-day delivery options to better serve our customers,” said Kevin Chase, president of Chase Plastics. “Our strong commitment to our existing team members and the tremendous support offered by the city of South Bend and the state in their efforts to make it advantageous to stay in Indiana for the foreseeable future also played a large role in our decision to build there. We are excited about our opportunity to grow our business and increase our involvement in the community.”

Founded in 1992, Chase Plastics is a full-service thermoplastic stocking distributor serving plastic processors throughout North and Central America. The company provides engineering expertise, technical service, application development assistance, blending, repacking, inventory management and logistics services. A member of the Manufacturers Association for Plastics Processors, Chase Plastics distributes more than 6,400 varieties of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics from manufacturers and global suppliers in the industry. Chase Plastics won the 2012 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, and Crain’s Detroit Business has named Chase Plastics to its 2013 Private 200 and 2013 Fastest Growing Companies lists.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Chase Plastic Services, Inc. up to $114,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s investment plans. The city of South Bend approved additional incentives at the request of the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County.

“South Bend is a highly attractive location for distribution because of our proximity to the Great Lakes, excellent power and great access to rail and the interstate highway system,” said South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “Chase Plastics knows the competitive advantage of choosing South Bend. We thank Chase for retaining and adding good paying jobs in our community, and look forward to growing with them in their future success.”

Since 2005, Indiana has invested more than $1 billion per year in infrastructure improvements and will have repaired or replaced 1,070 bridges, constructed 65 new interchanges and resurfaced 6,350 miles of highway–nearly half of the state’s inventory– by the end of 2015, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Chase Plastics distributes more than 6,400 varieties of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics from the industry’s leading manufacturers and global suppliers. In addition, Chase delivers engineering expertise, technical service, application development assistance, blending, repacking, inventory management and logistics services via a network of distribution centers, warehouses and sales locations throughout North and Central America.

Chase Plastics is redefining resin distribution with an approach to business that puts customer needs first. Formed in 1992, Chase Plastics has built its business on the ability to respond quickly with all of the flexibility and agility that its customers require. Based in Clarkston, Mich., Chase Plastics was founded by Kevin and Carole Chase, who serve as the company’s president and vice president, respectively. Find more information at ChasePlastics.com.

Source: Indiana Economic Development Corp.