Sailrite prepares for $3.25 expansion, plans to add 50 jobs

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Representatives of Sailrite Enterprises Inc. were joined by representatives of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation as well as city and county leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony recently to celebrate the expansion of their global enterprise.

From reports

Sailrite Enterprises Inc. (Sailrite), a global provider of fabric, tools, hardware and sewing supplies for sailors, announced plans today to expand operations in northeast Indiana, creating up to 50 new jobs by the end of 2024.

“Indiana’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce continue to make Indiana the perfect place for companies like Sailrite to grow and thrive,” said Interim Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Staton. “We’re excited Sailrite is choosing to propel its growth in Indiana and grateful for the company’s commitment to creating quality career opportunities in northeast Indiana.”

The company will invest $3.25 million to expand its existing 71,000-square-foot headquarters located at 2390 East 100 South and equip it with expanded supplies of stainless steel rigging, webbing, fabric and leather, as well as new foam packaging machinery and material handling equipment. This 32,500-square-foot expansion, a portion of which will include professional office space, will enable Sailrite to grow its team and serve expanded markets in the DIY sewing arena. The company broke ground on the site today and expects construction to be completed by the end of 2021.

“Sailrite is thrilled to be growing in Columbia City,” said Sailrite Vice President Matt Grant and President Hallie Grant. “Both the county and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation have helped to make this expansion possible. It is by the hard work and dedication of our employees and the enthusiasm of our worldwide DIY customer base that such a rapid expansion is possible for our third-generation family business. This expansion will enable us to widen our customer base, and we look forward to serving a larger audience of enthusiastic and resourceful DIYers.”

The company, which currently employs 60 associates in Indiana, is hiring in Columbia City for positions in order fulfillment, customer service, social media marketing, videography, customer support, accounting, human resources and purchasing generalists. Interested applicants may apply online.

Established in 1969 as a resource for sailors sewing sails and canvas coverings, Sailrite has grown into a global sewing, notions and fabric source for the marine, home, outdoor living, RV and hobby markets. In addition to online retail, Sailrite offers hundreds of free how-to videos and blog content, keeps products in stock and ready to ship and provides customers with support and advice on project and product questions.

“Sailrite’s commitment to expanding in Whitley County is a compliment to the type of business and people we have here,” said Whitley County Commissioner George Schrumpf. “For decades Sailrite has been a great asset to the community and we’re thrilled to help with the expansion.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Sailrite Enterprises Inc. up to $300,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. The IEDC also offered up to $100,000 in conditional tax credits from the Hoosier Business Investment tax credit program based on the company’s planned capital investment in Indiana. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired and qualified capital investments are made. The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation and Northeast Indiana Works approved additional incentives.