Home decor company moving to Indiana
FRENCH LICK, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Massachusetts-based Boston International has announced plans to relocate its headquarters to a 115,000-square-foot facility in French Lick. The company says it will invest $3.6 million to acquire, renovate and equip a 115,000-square-foot facility in the Orange County town and add up to 50 jobs by the end of 2023.
Boston International (BI) designs and sells its own brand of home decor, gift and stationery products. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. says the company also distributes products for Germany-based Ideal Home Range in addition to working with other partners.
The new headquarters will be located in the former Jasper Group facility, which the company says will enhance its distribution operations and meet growing demand. Additionally, BI plans to launch an on-site retail store to market and sell its products to visitors of French Lick Resort.
“I’m originally from southern Indiana and always hoped that one day I would have the opportunity to return,” said Pam Metz, owner and president of BI. “The fact that I’m able to bring my company with me is a dream come true. It’s very exciting knowing BI will contribute to the economic growth of such a wonderful community as French Lick. The Orange County Economic Development Partnership, along with all our partners in the community and state, have been invaluable during this process, making the decision to relocate to southern Indiana an easy decision.”
Boston International currently has 40 employees in the U.S. and plans to begin hiring for operations, human resources, finance, IT, product development, customer service and warehousing positions in late March.
“Small businesses play a critical role in supporting Indiana’s economy and creating quality career opportunities in our communities,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “With resources designed to support growth from start to scale, Indiana is committed to building an ecosystem that attracts investment from companies like Boston International and allows businesses, both large and small, to compete on a global scale.”
The IEDC has offered Boston International up to $500,000 in conditional tax credits, which the company will not be eligible to claim until Hoosier workers are hired for the new jobs. Officials from Orange County plan to offer additional incentives.