Steel Tank Manufacturer to Expand Its Northern Indiana Operations

KNOX, IN - Steel tank manufacturer Sabre Manufacturing announced today it will expand its operations here, creating nearly 50 new jobs and expanding training opportunities for current employees.The company, which manufactures industrial tanks and containers for the environmental, oil and gas industries, will invest in equipment and facilities upgrades at its northwest Indiana manufacturing facility in response to increased demand for its storage tanks used in the oil exploration industry.

"Sabre Manufacturing is a home-grown Indiana company that continues to invest in Indiana and create jobs for hard-working Hoosiers," said Governor Mitch Daniels.

The tank manufacturer employs more than 100 associates in Knox and will begin hiring additional manufacturing associates and welders immediately.  Employees will undergo training in lean manufacturing, blueprint reading and participate in National Association of Corrosion Engineers training with the help of a $101,500 grant from the state's Skills Enhancement Fund.

"Recent increases in domestic oil exploration and alternative fuel development are driving demand for our products," said Jason Ries, plant manager of Sabre Manufacturing. "This grant will help us properly train and certify our welding staff and make our processes more efficient, ultimately helping to grow our business."

Founded in 2005 in Knox, Sabre Manufacturing originated with six employees. Today, the company operates three production shifts serving customers throughout the United States and Canada.

Sabre Manufacturing's expansion in Indiana comes only months after global economic development firm Development Counselors International ranked Indiana tenth in a survey of the nation's best states for doing business.  The accolade, which follows CNBC naming Indiana the "most improved state for business in 2008", marks the first time in history the state finished in the top 10 of the annual survey of states.

Source: Indiana Economic Development Corporation