TBK America, Inc., located in Phase I of the Midwest Industrial Park at 3700 West Industries Road in Richmond, will expand investing over $1.8 million and creating 21 new full-time jobs. The Japanese-based company is an automotive supplier manufacturing water pumps used in large truck engines for Tier 1 companies all over the world. The expansion will allow the company to add the manufacture and assembly of oil and lube pumps for large trucks to their product line. TBK president, Kenji Takada says, “TBK America is expanding due to increased market demands in diesel engines. Our customers rely on our high quality water and oil pumps; we could not meet their demands without a strong and dedicated workforce, people who care about quality and who deliver excellent product every day. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to be a part of this great community.”

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County will provide an Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) grant in the amount of $27,000 to assist with costs associated with the purchase of new manufacturing equipment, tooling and retooling, as well as new fixtures.  Valerie Shaffer, president of the EDC, says this is a great project for the community. “TBK America has grown from leasing space when they first located in Wayne County in 2008 to a building of their own in the Midwest Industrial Park. Seeing their continued success in Wayne County is wonderful and we’re happy to be able partner with them.”

In 2016, Richmond Mayor Dave Snow and Valerie Shaffer participated in a Japan trade mission with members of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership. One of the stops for the Wayne County delegation was TBK’s headquarters. According to Mayor Snow, “The entire purpose of our Japan trip was to show our Japanese owned businesses that we appreciate the investment that they have made in this community and to foster our relationship. I am thrilled to see that relationship thrive and expand as the company expands. I’m looking forward to many more years of success together.” The request for EDIT funds will now go before the Wayne County Commissioners for their consideration.

About TBK America, Inc.

TBK America, located in Richmond, Indiana is the company’s first North American facility. The company has several other facilities located in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and India with their headquarters in Japan. TBK America began operations in Richmond in 2008. For more information about TBK visit http://www.tbk-jp.com/en_company/