IN: Logistics Firm Plans 10-Acre Development, 100+ Jobs in Allen Co.

12 Jul, 2019

Universal Dedicated of Fort Wayne, a full-service provider of customized transportation and logistics solutions, announced plans to expand its Indiana operations, creating up to 130 new jobs in Allen County by the end of 2020.

"Companies like Universal Dedicated are helping us take Indiana’s economy to the next level," said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. " As the Crossroads of America, we are perfectly positioned to help companies reach customers across the Midwest, across the country and around the globe. I will continue to be laser-focused on enhancing our infrastructure network so that Universal Dedicated can help to drive our economy forward."

The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Universal Logistics, will invest $25 million to expand its footprint, building out approximately 10 acres at Fogwell Parkway in Roanoke. The new site, which will serve as a holding yard and house transportation assets and dispatch operations offices, will allow the company to increase efficiencies in its regional transportation services. Construction and equipment purchases are set to begin early fall 2019 and be complete by the end of the year.

Universal Logistics and its subsidiaries employ more than 5,000 full-time associates including 400 in Indiana and 225 at Universal Dedicated. The company is hiring for multiple positions, including CDL drivers, logistics managers, administrative clerks, diesel and trailer mechanics. Interested applicants can apply online or attend the upcoming job fair in Fort Wayne.

"This is a big win for our organization and Allen County," said Matt Lock, Vice President of Operations for Universal Dedicated. "We appreciate our customer's continued trust and growth in our services and for making us their primary-source transportation provider. We also recognize our most important asset, our employees, for their hard work and dedication, once again proving that people-driven solutions enable our success. We look forward to growing our team and maintaining our reputation for best-in-industry service levels, continuous improvement and cost savings initiatives for our customers."

Headquartered in Michigan, Universal Logistics operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia, serving a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, government services, health care, industrial, retail and consumer goods, metals and more. In Indiana, Universal Logistics also supports subsidiary operations at its Logistics Insights Corporation facilities in Roanoke, Fort Wayne, Hammond and Indianapolis.

“We seek great business partners here in Allen County, but we also want terrific corporate neighbors," Allen County Commissioners Rich Beck, Therese Brown and Nelson Peters said in a joint statement. "Universal Logistics checks both of those boxes, and we look forward to the economic and social benefits this tremendous company’s expansion will have on our community.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Universal Dedicated up to $1.35 million in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Northeast Indiana Works will provide hiring and training assistance. The Allen County board of commissioners supports the project.