Kermit USA Establishes US Headquarters and
Manufacturing Facility in Muncie-Delaware County
(November 4, 2011 - Muncie, IN) A Turkey-based manufacturer of specialized roofing tile, Kermit USA, announced today that it will locate its USA headquarters and first North American manufacturing plant in Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana. The USA operations will be named Kermit USA. The company plans to invest $12 million dollars and create 70 new jobs over the next five years. Kermit USA will be the first tenant of the new Turkish Business Center (TBC) in Muncie, and will occupy approximately 44,000 square feet of the 63,750 square foot facility.
Kermit’s principals and corporate executives have decades of combined experience producing, distributing and installing roofs for public and private sector clients across Europe and the Middle East. Their products are made largely of recycled resins and are 100% recyclable.
Kermit’s two primary products are a resin/silica sand-based flat tile that resembles stone slate tiles and a barrel tile, which is used to replace heavier, and much more difficult to install, clay tiles. Kermit products, which are available in any color, are impervious to color fade, unsusceptible to wind or hail damage, self cleaning, and will not mold or mildew. Additionally, the tiles have superior thermal characteristics to lower heating and cooling costs and are very easy to install. The average life expectancy of a Kermit roof system can be anticipated to exceed 50 years.
Kermit, which employs 120 associates globally, plans to begin hiring administrative, production, insulation experts, warehouse and logistics positions next fall.
“After the recent trip to Turkey by city leaders, we were convinced that Muncie was our new home,” said Erdal Cakici, president of Kermit. “Indiana’s friendly business atmosphere and the accommodating nature of these officials helped make our decision.”
Founded in 2004 in Istanbul by Kermit-USA’s Investment Group, the company operates internationally in France, Libya, Moldova and Iran. The company has won numerous environmental accolades throughout Turkey and Europe for its production of recyclable manufactured goods.
Eighteen months ago, the Delaware County Commissioners and Delaware County Redevelopment Commission assisted Mursix Corporation in their relocation to the Park One Business Park. Earlier this month, the former corporate office and manufacturing facility located at 4620 West Bethel was designated as a “Turkish Business Center,” with the intent to attract Turkish manufacturing, research and technology, corporate and sales offices, and information technology businesses.
“This is the first of what we hope will be many businesses from Turkey to locate in Muncie-Delaware County,” said Todd Donati, President of the Delaware County Commissioners. “The TBC played an integral role in the attraction of Kermit USA and the associated jobs and capital investment. We believe it will play a substantial role in attracting additional investment from Turkey,” added Donati.
“Delaware County, the City of Muncie and State of Indiana officials have worked hard to earn our respect and provide a positive environment for Kermit to enter the U.S. market with its products. Kermit officials pledge to reciprocate, using their presence and their international contacts to attract strong, viable and sustainable business relationships oriented toward the benefit of all parties, domestic and abroad,” said Dan Zuerner, speaking on behalf of Kermit officials.
“Leading our local delegation to Turkey in January to meet with business and industry leaders confirmed that an outstanding opportunity exists for Turkish investment here,” said Sharon McShurley, Mayor of the City of Muncie. “Kermit’s decision to locate in our community is further evidence that international companies believe Muncie-Delaware County is a great place to live, invest and grow a business,” added Mayor McShurley.
Jay Julian, President and CEO of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, accompanied the mayor on the Turkey visit and noted that numerous business and education leaders have visited or plan to visit the community as a result of the trip and consultant contract.
“The business leaders in key areas of Turkey have embraced our community’s efforts to attract investment here and we welcome KERMIT USA as our newest international company,” stated Julian.
“Indiana has established itself on the global stage as the location of choice for international companies like Kermit to invest and create jobs,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “As one of the most highly-rated business climates in the nation, Indiana is able to secure more jobs for Hoosiers through our innovative pro-growth policies and outstanding workforce.”
“The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Kermit USA up to $300,000 in performance-based tax credits and $50,000 in training grants based on the company’s announced plans. Local performance-based incentives are projected at $1.2 million and are subject to approval by appropriate units of government,” said Terry Murphy, Vice President of Economic Development for the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance. “In addition, the incentive offer provides free rent with a provision that the company purchase the building for $2.5 million after the fifth year,” added Murphy.