Back in February 2020, the groundwork was laid for a tremendous expansion by NHK Seating by investing $38 million to increase its footprint by 250 percent by constructing and equipping a 383,000 square-foot manufacturing facility just west of Frankfort near the interchange of State Road 28 and Interstate 65.
On Wednesday, those ambitious plans came to fruition in the form of a grand opening that brought in guests from all corners of Indiana in addition to officials of SIA in Lafayette and the Yokohama, Japan-based parent corporation, NHK Spring Co., LTD., or NHK.
“We should be calling this a global announcement because it has a very oversized positive impact locally but it is going to affect global supply chains and markets,” said Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, who was in attendance for the event.
The program began with comments by NHK Vice President Rich Reck, NHK International President Hideto Enomoto, NHK President Masayoshi Yamaguchi, SIA Executive Vice President Scott Brand and SIA President Ryota Fukumizu.
Clinton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shan Sheridan then spoke about the humble beginnings of NHK.
“Prior to 1988 when they broke ground in a little pole barn out there on State Road 28 with some 37 employees, it was pretty amazing to see the growth,” said Sheridan. “Over time and because of their commitment to quality and desire to success. One of the reasons they succeed is because they give and they are givers.”
Sheridan added examples of NHK’s giving locally are the Ivy Tech Community College campus downtown, the new IU Health Frankfort Hospital on Jackson Street plus the newly-opened Prairie Creek Park in downtown Frankfort. Sheridan added they have answered the call many times.
Another example comes when NHK shut down for two weeks due to supply issues. Rather than have their employees not get paid, NHK called the City of Frankfort to ask what they could do to help.
“They donate time, they donate funds,” said Frankfort Mayo0r Judy Sheets. “A few weeks ago, when they had the shutdown, they got with the City of Frankfort and said what can we do. How can we help you. They gave us two weeks. Our parks look beautiful and it’s do to them.”
Governor Holcomb was asked what does the NHK expansion mean to the area locally.
“First and foremost, it means a lot more opportunities for families in the region,” said Holcomb. “Certainly in Frankfort and Clinton County. But it extends far beyond the county lines. The opportunity that’s ahead. Evidence that we continue to grow as a state and as a community. It means our kids will have opportunities close to home.
“It also means that we’ve just fortified our state position as being the number one manufacturer in the state and the country,” Holcomb added. “It’s days like today that we just take note, but the competition does as well.”
Holcomb also said events like this bring stability.
“Folks know that when they come to Indiana that they can grow their business, their workforce at the scale and pace that they determine,” he said. “So, we’re proud of partners like NHK and Subaru and to be able to grow together. It means a very bright future for a lot of folks here in Clinton County and beyond.”