HAMMOND, Ind. - Lear Operations Corporation (NYSE: LEA), a global manufacturer of automotive seating and electrical power management systems, will expand its operations in Hammond, creating more than 285 new jobs by the end of the year. The company, which designs and manufactures complete seating systems and components for automotive manufacturers, will invest more than $2.2 million to upgrade and adjust equipment at its 110,000 square-foot facility to manufacture seating for the Ford Explorer.
Lear, a Fortune 500 company, based in Southfield, Mich., currently employs more than 160 associates in Hammond and plans to begin hiring additional manufacturing and supervisory associates immediately as upgrades are completed to the manufacturing lines.
"We have had a very successful operation in Hammond, Ind., serving Ford Motor Company's Chicago Assembly Plant since the mid-1990s. As a result, Hammond is the perfect location for us to supply seats for the new Ford Explorer that launches at Chicago Assembly later this year," said Bob Rossiter, Lear's chairman, chief executive officer and president.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Lear Operations Corporation up to $1.7 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $57,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans.
Lear's Hammond location lies within the city's enterprise zone, qualifying the business and workforce to access exclusive tax incentives; including a loan interest credit, employer and employee wage credits and property tax deductions.
Lear Corporation’s products are designed, engineered and manufactured by a diverse team of 75,000 employees at 197 facilities in 35 countries. Lear's headquarters are in Southfield, Michigan, and Lear is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol [LEA]. Further information: Lear Corporation
