BraunAbility, the U.S. market leader in wheelchair accessible vehicles and wheelchair lifts, announced on Wednesday plans to open a new global headquarters office and technology center in Carmel. Plans call for the construction of a new 20,000 square-foot research and development building and the leasing of 18,000 square feet of office space – bringing new growth and more high-paying jobs to the Lakeside Green Business Center at the corner of Carmel Drive and Guilford Road.
“We are thrilled that BraunAbility has chosen Carmel to build its new base of operation, joining our growing family of global corporate headquarters,” said Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard. “Today’s announcement is good news for Carmel residents. Not only does private corporate investment keep our local property taxes among the lowest in Indiana, it also benefits our local small business owners.”
The announcement was made at a press conference held Wednesday at Carmel City Hall in conjunction with the say Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered BraunAbility up to $1.3 million in conditional tax credits 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 Carmel is offering additional incentives in the form of limited tax abatement.
“Indiana has the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in the nation, and we are thrilled to see companies like BraunAbility planning for their long-term presence throughout the state,” said Indiana Lt. Gov. Crouch. “BraunAbility is the largest employer in Pulaski County, and this headquarters growth will benefit not just Carmel, but future manufacturing needs in Winamac, providing opportunities for long-term domestic and international growth.”
With more than 1,200 employees worldwide, the BraunAbility Carmel locations will focus on innovation and new product development as well as providing support for the company’s core operations, dealer distribution channel and developing businesses in Europe.
“At BraunAbility, our goal is improving independence and freedom for our customers – we change lives,” said BraunAbility President and CEO Staci Kroon. “Winamac, Ind., is the birthplace of our company and will remain the heart and soul of the company as its primary manufacturing center. To support our continued expansion, we’re excited to announce Carmel as our new, global headquarters. The new facilities will be designed for collaboration and innovation and are key to our long-term recruitment and retention strategies.”
BraunAbility plans to hire an estimated 68 new employees over the next few years. In addition, the company will transition some of the current employee base to Carmel, primarily roles held by those already commuting to Winamac from outside the county, including the Indianapolis area and out of state. The new positions for BraunAbility include roles in Accounting, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources and Marketing and are hiring now.
To support this growth, BraunAbility will occupy more than 18,000 square feet of office space at the Lakeside Green Business Center, a 61,000 square-foot Class A LEED Gold office building with geothermal HVAC, which was opened in 2016. In partnership with ATAPCO Properties, BraunAbility will also begin the process of building a new, 20,000 square-foot Research & Development and Technology Center on the 35-acre site, which Atapco Carmel has owned since 1999. The total project value will be more than $7.5 million including the new construction, remodel, technology and equipment. Located at the corner of Guilford Road and Carmel Drive, the office should open by June of 2019 with the Technology Center to open the following year.
About BraunAbility
BraunAbility is the world’s leading manufacturer of mobility transportation solutions, including wheelchair accessible vehicles, wheelchair lifts and seating, storage and securement products. Founded nearly 50 years ago by Ralph Braun, the company has grown into the most well-known and trusted name in the mobility industry, bringing independence to millions of individuals across the world. BraunAbility is a wholly owned subsidiary to Patricia Industries, a division of Investor AB Group. Visit braunability.com for more information.
About Atapco Properties
Atapco Properties is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Trading and Production Corporation, which was originally formed in 1931 to consolidate, expand and diversify the business activities of the Blaustein family, the founders of the American Oil Company (AMOCO). Atapco Properties is active in Maryland, Indiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia, developing state-of-the-art industrial, retail, residential, office and mixed-use projects with an emphasis on sustainability and green building standards. For more information on Atapco Properties, visit atapcoproperties.com.