Caledonia, Michigan - Viking Group, Inc., a Michigan-based manufacturer and distributor of fire protection solutions, is pleased to announce the purchase of a property in Richmond, Indiana for the construction of a new manufacturing facility for its subsidiary, MV Pipe LLC. The facility will be built on 40 acres of land and is expected to bring 111 new jobs to the area.
“We are thrilled to be bringing a new manufacturing facility to Indiana and to be partnering with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, and the City of Richmond,” said James Golinveaux, President & CEO of Viking Group, Inc. “This new facility will be instrumental in the introduction of our new Fendium pipe to the U.S. market. Fendium is a game-changing product in the fire protection industry, offering advanced corrosion-resistant properties making it a highly attractive option for a wide range of applications.”
Fendium pipe, which is currently available in Europe, is made using a proprietary, patented process and has been thoroughly tested and certified to meet or exceed industry standards. Its superior corrosion resistance provides added longevity and effectiveness to fire suppression systems where traditional pipes may deteriorate over time. Lower pipe friction allows the use of smaller pipes in many cases, which eases the installation process and saves on construction costs.
“We are excited to welcome MV Pipe LLC to Indiana, as they will create high-paying jobs and help advance Indiana's flourishing manufacturing industry,” said Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) Chief Strategy Officer Ann Lathrop. "The state’s workforce and Hoosiers' skillsets will benefit from their presence in the state."
Based on the company’s job creation plans, the IEDC committed an investment in MV Pipe LLC of up to $1.5 million in the form of incentive-based tax credits and up to $67,500 in training grants. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired and trained.
"I want to thank the Viking team, the EDC of Wayne County, and the IEDC for their diligent work,” said Richmond Mayor Dave Snow. “Viking is an established and respected company that will bring over 100 new jobs to Richmond, manufacturing advanced safety pipe systems. This is another great example of a leading manufacturer putting their vote of confidence in Richmond! Make no mistake, we are rising!"
Construction on the facility is set to begin in 2023, with an expected completion in 2024. The facility will feature state-of-the-art technology and will be designed to meet the highest environmental standards. Local incentives include a cash grant and tax abatements for the project which will go through the approval process at a later date.