Nu-Tec Coatings, a provider of custom dip, liquid and powder coatings to companies across the Midwest, announced today its plans to expand its production operations here, creating 35 new jobs by 2011.

The three-year-old coatings company will invest more than $1.7 million to add a pre-treat line, four paint booths, drying and curing ovens and an automated paint mixing and delivery system to its 145,000-square-foot northeast Indiana facility.

"Helping Hoosier companies like Nu-Tec Coatings grow creates new jobs and strengthens the state's economy," said Governor Mitch Daniels.

The company, whose services span from coating parts for the automotive and recreational vehicles market to applying special coatings to a myriad of parts for the military, currently employs 127 at its Fort Wayne facility and will begin hiring paint technicians, production associates and shipping specialists in the next 30 days.

"The next three years should be a very exciting time," said Bruce Fogler, chief executive officer of Nu-Tec Coatings. "We feel like the timing is right, and we owe it to our customers to grow and give them the services they deserve."

Nu-Tec is one of only two companies in the nation certified to coat metals, wood and plastics for the military and is a part of the $4.6-billion defense contracting industry in Indiana that employs thousands of Hoosiers across the state.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Nu-Tec Coatings up to $50,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $35,500 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. Fort Wayne will provide the company with property tax abatement as part of the company's expansion in the city's Urban Enterprise Zone. The Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance, Ivy Tech and Work One will also assist Nu-Tec as part of the expansion.

"The continuing growth of Nu-Tec Coatings is an encouraging sign for the city's Urban Enterprise Zone," said Mayor Henry. "By steadily increasing the number of new employees in the next three years, Nu-Tec Coatings will be giving opportunity in an area where it is needed most."

The expansion of Nu-Tec Coatings in Fort Wayne is the second in less than three years for the coatings company. In late 2005, Nu-Tec announced plans to expand its operations in Fort Wayne, creating 105 new jobs.