Energy Drink Maker to Expand its Wabash Production Operations

WABASH, IN - Living Essentials, the producer of 5-Hour Energy, announced today that it will expand its production operations here, creating up to 36 new jobs by 2012. The company, which produces, packages and distributes 5-Hour Energy drinks from its 150,000 square-foot facility, will invest more than $3.3 million to add two new production lines at 200 Bond St.

"As 5-Hour Energy continues to experience strong growth, they have recognized that Indiana is a place their business can succeed," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "We must continue to create the environment that makes expansion possible for great companies that create new jobs for Indiana workers." 

Living Essentials currently employs more than 130 full-time associates in Wabash. The company anticipates the new lines will be in service by the end of the first quarter 2010, following facility and equipment upgrades.

"Introduced in 2004, 5-Hour Energy has grown from startup to one of America's hottest brands with 2009 sales of more than $300 million. It's a simple formula - make a product that meets the needs of consumers, works as advertised, then market it effectively," said Karl Smith, general manager of Living Essential's Wabash operations. "As we continue to grow we have selected Wabash, Ind. for our expansion due to its high-quality, highly skilled workforce and the outstanding state and local support provided to entrepreneurial companies."

Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., Living Essentials initially moved a production and distribution operation to Wabash in 2007. Since, additional production lines and the company's research and development operations have come to the North Central Indiana site. 5-Hour Energy is sold in retail and convenience stores throughout the United States and Canada.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Living Essentials up to $210,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $65,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Wabash will consider additional property tax abatement.

"Living Essentials is a great corporate citizen and we are pleased to support their growth plans.  It is the spirit of cooperation among local units of government that makes Wabash County such an attractive place to grow a business," said Mayor Bob Vanlandingham.

Living Essentials' announcement comes just more than two months after recreational vehicle manufacturer, Riverside Travel Trailers, announced it would invest more than $1.1 million to expand its manufacturing operations in North Central Indiana, creating 100 new jobs by 2011.

About 5-Hour Energy:
5-Hour Energy is a two-ounce energy shot that provides hours of energy and alertness with no crash* and no jitters. It contains a blend of B-vitamins and amino acids, zero sugar, and only four calories. It is available at retail outlets throughout the United States and Canada.