Stens, LLC, a global supplier of replacement parts for the outdoor power equipment industry, has announced that it will expand its headquarters in Jasper, IN, creating up to 98 new jobs by 2015.
Stens, a division of Ariens Company, will invest $2.28 million to purchase, renovate and equip a 208,400 square-foot building at 1220 Power Dr. on the city’s south side. Renovations on the facility, which will house the company’s headquarters and distribution center, will begin in January 2011. Operations will transfer to the new site in August when facility upgrades are expected to be complete.
“Stens is a true Hoosier success story and their continued expansion and global presence further establish Indiana as an international leader for business,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “Our low-tax policies and skilled workforce continue to attract jobs to all corners of our state and give global leaders like Stens the opportunity to succeed.”
Stens launched in 1970 out of a one-room garage in Jasper as a seller and repairer of outdoor power equipment. The company has since expanded to more than 300 associates globally with distribution centers in six states and five countries. Stens, which currently has 180 employees in Indiana, will begin hiring new headquarter and distribution associates in Jasper within the next three months.
“Stens continues to expand our global market share with highly skilled associates and a leveraged infrastructure to grow in a very competitive global marketplace,” said Peter Ariens, global aftermarket president of Stens. “We believe the state of Indiana is investing wisely in a strong business environment. Stens has thrived in Indiana over the past 40 years and we want to continue to be a part of that local, regional and state momentum.”
Stens is an international supplier of replacement parts for the outdoor power equipment, landscape, rental, golf and construction industries. With 50,000 customers worldwide, the company exports goods to more than 50 countries, including Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and Ireland.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Stens, LLC up to $750,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning that until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Jasper has approved additional tax abatement at the request of the Dubois County Area Development Corporation.
“I am delighted that Stens is staying in Jasper and that they are growing,” said Jasper Mayor Bill Schmitt. “I think that the excellent workforce in southwest Indiana helped play a large part in the company’s decision to expand here. I would encourage other businesses looking to expand or to relocate to consider Jasper and Dubois County.”
Stens’ announcement to expand its Dubois County headquarters comes just over a month after AFCO Racing Products, a division of Speedway Motors, announced plans to expand in nearby Warrick County. The company will invest $3.7 million to purchase and equip a new retail facility in Boonville, adding up to 61 new jobs by 2014.
