Scorpion to expand Putnam headquarters

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Scorpion Protective Coatings Inc., a Putnam County manufacturer of specialty coatings, window films and truck bed liner systems, announced plans Tuesday to expand its headquarters here, creating up to 25 new jobs by 2018.

The homegrown company will invest $270,000 to construct and equip a new 2,115-square-foot addition and retrofit an 800-square-foot spray booth at its current 8,784-square-foot facility along U.S. 231, south of U.S. 40.

The facility, scheduled to be fully operational by June 2016, will allow the company to optimize and expand operations and increase production capacity to support growth in the protective coating systems market for the automotive, industrial, military and consumer sectors.

"Indiana is on the fast track for economic growth, and Hoosier companies are the backbone of our success," Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC), said. "Scorpion started in Indiana and continues to expand its operations right here at home, showing the business world what's possible in a state that works."

Scorpion, which currently employs 13 full-time Indiana associates, plans to begin hiring for management and professional positions, as well as positions in logistics and distribution, manufacturing and customer care in May.

Interested applicants may apply by emailing scorpion@scorpioncoatings.com.

"Scorpion appreciates all of the support it receives from the state of Indiana, the IEDC and the residents of Putnam County. As Scorpion continues to grow, we are honored to do so here in central Indiana," Scorpion Chief Executive Officer Clayton Tomasino said. "We here at Scorpion relish the fact that we can accomplish all of the things we do from a 'barn on top of a hill.' Scorpion has always been located here and many of our employees went to school in the area growing up. Knowing that the state wants to support us in continued growth not only speaks well for Scorpion, but the local community as a whole."

Founded in 1996, Scorpion manufactures truck bed liners, window films and protective coating systems for the automotive, industrial, military and consumer markets. The company has more than 700 dealers nationwide, in addition to applicators in 20 countries, all 50 states and 17 regional distributors.

Scorpion is an ISO 9001:2000-certified company and exports materials to 25 countries and territories around the world. In 2013 and 2014, Inc. Magazine named Scorpion to its Inc. 5000 list for the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Scorpion Protective Coatings Inc. up to $150,000 in conditional tax credits 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.

Putnam County will consider additional incentives at the request of the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center.

"We are pleased to have Scorpion Coatings, as a local entity headquartered in Warren Township, growing, investing and adding jobs in our community," Putnam County Council President Darrel Thomas said. "We look forward to their continued growth and success."

Earlier this year, Indiana's growing national reputation as a state that works for business received another boost: Indiana ranks eighth overall in the Tax Foundation's 2015 State Business Tax Climate Index, up from 10th in 2014, and remains the top state in the Midwest for business tax competitiveness.

Scorpion Protective Coating Inc. was launched in 1996 and is a worldwide leader in truck bed liners, window films and specialty coatings. Scorpion boasts a highly durable, completely UV-stable truck bed liner that can be customized to fit any purpose and also offers premium films for automotive, commercial-residential, and paint protection films. In 2008, the company launched Al's Liner, a professional-grade line of products designed for the "do-it-yourself" automotive community.

In 2010, Scorpion launched its window film program aimed at bringing the highest quality films to the market for lowest possible costs. In 2014, Inc. Magazine named Scorpion to its Inc. 5000 list for the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

Created in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the IEDC is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Gov. Mike Pence.

The IEDC oversees programs enacted by the General Assembly including tax credits, workforce training grants and public infrastructure assistance. All tax credits are performance-based.

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