Sunshine Manufacturing, LLC, a subsidiary of New Sunshine, LLC, announced plans today to relocate a manufacturing facility from Tempe, Ariz. to Indianapolis, creating up to 180 new jobs through 2015.
The company, which produces tanning products and lotions, plans to occupy a 105,000-square-foot facility to serve as the company’s primary manufacturing facility in North America. The facility is expected to be operational this spring.
New Sunshine, which employs more than 220 full-time employees across three locations nationwide, plans to begin hiring new manufacturing and administrative associates in Indianapolis this spring.
“Our manufacturing sector continues to see significant growth and Sunshine’s announcement is another boost to this important segment of our economy,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “While the company could have moved its operations to just about any state, our business-friendly economy and highly-skilled workforce ensured Indiana was at the top of their list.”
“Indiana’s competitive business climate and skilled workforce were the driving forces behind our decision to relocate our manufacturing operations to Indianapolis,” said Eric Weber, president of New Sunshine. “We appreciate the commitment of the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana for their support of our continued growth.”
Founded in 1987, New Sunshine has grown to be the leading supplier of tanning lotions to the more than 12,000 indoor tanning salons across the nation. Its portfolio of brands, which include Australian Gold, Designer Skin, Swedish Beauty and California Tan, are sold around the world. Additionally, Australian Gold’s sun care products are the fastest growing brand in the $1.5 billion sun care category and can be found in more than 27,000 retail outlets nationwide as well as internationally.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Sunshine Manufacturing, LLC up to $900,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $75,000 in training grants 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. The city of Indianapolis will consider additional property tax abatement at the request of Develop Indy.
“Indianapolis is catching the attention of companies from across the nation, thanks to our central location and low cost of doing business,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. “Sunshine’s investment in our city and the addition of quality jobs for our workforce prove that our stable, affordable and pro-growth economic environment makes for a great place in which to do business.”