News release from Sweetwater Sound and The Alliance:
Sweetwater Sound, Inc. Keeps on Growing
Company will add 110,000 square feet and more than 316 full-time positions
Sweetwater Sound, Inc. announced its decision to expand once again in Fort Wayne-Allen County. The company will not only add 110,000 square feet to its current facility, but it will also add more than 315 full-time positions to its existing workforce of 413 over the
next four years, plus a number of ancillary jobs related to Sweetwater’s partners, vendors, contractors, and restaurant and music school staffs.Sweetwater founder and president Chuck Surack said, “Thanks to the great work of the Economic Development Alliance, Sweetwater will be able to continue to create jobs and grow in Fort Wayne.”
Most of the new jobs created will be high-paying and will result in many new employees moving with their families to Fort Wayne, just as the company experienced through its phenomenal employment growth in recent years. Since Sweetwater moved into its new campus in November of 2006, a move that was made possible with help from an incentive package put together by the Alliance, total employment
has grown from 240 to 413 today.Sweetwater Sound’s decision to expand its current facility, which is located off of US Highway 30 West, allows the company to enhance its headquarters’ campus and maintain fully integrated operations. The expansion will include 35,000 square feet of additional warehouse space, with the remaining 75,000 square feet devoted to marketing and sales staff, plus additional conference and training space. Sweetwater Sound plans to invest at least $23.6 million. The company was offered an incentive package of $7.1 million phased in over ten years from the State of Indiana, Allen County, and the City of Fort Wayne which would be available based on Sweetwater meeting annual benchmarks, including job creation.
“It is always a great day when we can tout the success of a homegrown company like Sweetwater Sound,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “With less red tape and lower taxes, Indiana is not only creating a growth structure for existing business to flourish but a framework to cultivate future successes.”
“Sweetwater Sound epitomizes what makes Fort Wayne a community built for success: hard work, innovation, talented people, great service, and a commitment to constant reinvestment. When it comes to making our community and our region attractive to the good jobs, talented workers and business investment that we need to thrive, Sweetwater is a company to emulate. They are a true hometown
winner,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry.“Sweetwater Sound has been a national jewel and a cornerstone of the Allen County community,” said Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters. “Their desire to expand their operations exemplifies the contribution they continue to make to the local landscape. This is an opportunity that we are extremely grateful for and one that will allow us to help them become even more successful.”
Sweetwater Sound began business 33 years ago in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is the country’s most respected dealer in high technology equipment for musicians, recording studios, and broadcasters. Over the last several years, Sweetwater’s growth in sales has been averaging more than 20 percent per year.
The company is currently the third largest music instrument and pro audio retailer in the United States.
About Sweetwater Sound Inc.
Sweetwater began business 33 years ago in Fort Wayne, and is the country’s most respected dealer in high-technology equipment for musicians, recording studios, and broadcasters – from microphones and digital recording systems to electric guitars and electronic keyboards and drums. Sweetwater customers range from beginners to A-list rock stars. The company’s equipment can be found in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville recording studios, TV and radio stations across the country, as well as in tens of thousands of home recording studios nationwide. Sweetwater is built on a commitment to the highest level of customer service in the music technology industry. More information can be obtained at www.sweetwater.com.About The Alliance
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance began in 2000 as the lead organization for economic development activities throughout the county. We are a not-for-profit organization supported by Allen County, the City of Fort Wayne, the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority. The Alliance’s goal is to further the base employment of
Allen County through business retention, expansion and attraction projects. To learn more about the Alliance, visit www.theallianceonline.com.
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