By Brenda Showalter, The Republic
bshowalter@therepublic.com
Workers at PMG Indiana Corp. in Columbus were apprehensive late last year when a merger changed the ownership and name of the company, formerly known as Diamet.
Among the uncertainties were if the automotive parts manufacturer in Columbus or Dayton, Ohio, would close as operations were streamlined.
Gov. Mitch Daniels joined executives of the company Thursday to celebrate that the local business would remain open and expand.
PMG Corp. is closing its Ohio plant effective Dec. 1 and will consolidate its Midwest operations in Columbus.
PMG is investing $11.4 million locally for an expansion of its 144-square-foot facility on Arcadia Drive and build a 40,000-square-foot research and development center.
Columbus will gain 73 jobs, consisting of 58 hourly and 15 salaried positions. Current employment is 250.
To encourage PMG to choose Indiana, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered up to $1.2 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants for workers.
Columbus City Council also approved a property tax abatement.
Daniels said businesses that recently have announced new operations or expansions in the state, including Honda and Cummins Inc., are seeing the advantages of doing business in Indiana.
He cited "low costs, great workers, a great transportation system getting better on top of a great location."
"We have worked hard to create a competitive business climate that encourages businesses to invest in Indiana," Daniels said.
Mayor Fred Armstrong said Columbus has focused recently on downtown redevelopment but officials also are working to retain and attract businesses and improve the city's economic climate.
"We remain committed to fight for every job we can by using every tool made available to us," Armstrong said.
Quality products
Daniels said PMG demonstrates the heart of the Indiana economy: world-class manufacturing products.
"That always has to be the core of our strength, and here we are adding to it," the governor said.
Larry Van Epps, PMG Indiana's executive vice president, said the expansion demonstrates the company's success and commitment to Columbus.
"This merger makes us No. 2 in sales within the powder metal industry," Van Epps said, noting the competitiveness of the industry.
"This is really the driving force. If you're not No. 1 or 2, you're probably not going to be successful."
Van Epps said PMG has refocused its goals and is hopeful that business will expand.
"We own 40 acres of land, so we still have room (to grow)," Van Epps said.
Daniels praised local officials for creating a city that was welcoming to businesses.
"Wherever I go in Indiana, (Columbus) is my best example of the value of a high quality-of- life community, a community of good schools, open spaces and a place where people care about each other and plan for the future," Daniels said.
He added that these factors are more important than ever in today's global economy.
"Companies can go anywhere," the governor said.
"PMG had a whole world of choices ... and it picked Indiana."