By Jessica Tuggle
jtuggle@hometownnewsol.com
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY - Plastics in Indian River County are making a surge with some help from a local jobs grant.
The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce announced that Nylacarb Corporation, a local plastic injection molding manufacturer, is increasing its employment base in the county and has been approved for a local jobs grant by Indian River County.
The company was founded in 1988 by Frank Cooley and the family owned business has two generations and more than 100 years of combined experience in the injection molding industry.
The company plans to fill 12 new positions over the next 12 to15 months. The grant award of up to $38,000 will be paid over a period of three years after the new jobs are in place.
"We are very pleased that programs like our local jobs grant can assist a long-standing local company in their expansion plans. We're not only interested in attracting new business to Indian River County, but also encouraging our local businesses to expand and add jobs," said Indian River County Commissioner Peter O'Bryan, the board's economic development liaison, in a press release.
Nylacarb's past projects include a nylon version of an existing steel clamp used on operating tables.
The average wage of the 12 new positions will be just under $30,000, said Helene Caseltine, the chamber's economic development director.
"It's exciting to get 12 jobs or 1,200 jobs," Ms. Caseltine said.
Jobs grants by the county are made available as an incentive to businesses already in the area and businesses relocating to the area, she said.
"It's very rewarding to see local companies take advantage of the grant to add jobs," she said.
This is the first jobs grant awarded by the county commission this calendar year, Ms. Caseltine said.
"I believe that this shows the county is committed to supporting local businesses and helping them grow in a business friendly environment. So whether it's a new business re-locating, or an existing business looking to expand, Indian River County stands ready to help make your business a success," Commissioner O'Bryan said in a press release.
For more information, call (772) 567-3491 or visit www.indianriverchamber.com.