Townsend Corporation Chooses Muncie for Corporate Headquarters Relocation
May 8, 2013 – Muncie, IN – The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance announced the relocation of the Townsend Corporation Corporate Headquarters from Parker City, IN, to the 63,000 sq. ft. former Ontario Systems Building, located at 1120 W. Jackson, St. The headquarters will be occupied more than 35 employees on the Townsend executive and support staff, resulting in approximately $3 million in annual payroll. Additionally, the company plans to make nearly $1 million in improvements to the facility.
“The presence of a corporate headquarters in a community is highly desirable because these companies employ highly-skilled individuals who are well-compensated. Additionally, they utilize local goods and professional services. Townsend’s proximity to the center of the Muncie will surely have a positive economic impact on downtown, as well as the city and county as a whole,” said Jay Julian, President & CEO, Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Alliance.
The new HQ building is located in Muncie’s Certified Technology Park, which allows for the capture of employee state taxes paid within the Park. The project is estimated to generate approximately $100,000 in funds to the Certified Technology Park, providing funds to support projects such as the Muncie Innovation Connector small business incubator, also located in the Park.
The Economic Development Alliance worked with Townsend Corporation for more than a year, providing relocation assistance and ultimately advocating for approval of tax abatement to the Muncie City Council. The Council granted two-year partial tax abatement under the “Vacant Building” tax abatement legislation, saving the company approximately $150,000.
Townsend is a third-generation, privately-held company with annual revenue in excess of $120 million. With a workforce in 30 states, the company has grown five-fold since 1993. Townsend provides a wide range of services, expertise, and innovative technology to its specialized core markets – vegetation management, power line clearance, custom blending and repackaging of herbicides, electric utility line construction, storm-damage relief, and process automation.
“Being a family-owned business with our heritage rooted in East Central Indiana, it is important for us to remain a local employer and continue our growth here in the Muncie area,” stated Gary Townsend, Chairman of The Townsend Corporation. “We enjoyed a great relationship with Randolph County, however our needs for additional space led to the search which resulted in our finding the ideal facility. We are excited about remaining local to the area where we know we can draw upon a quality workforce and continue for our plans for growth and expansion.”
“I am elated that Townsend chose Muncie, bringing quality jobs and investment, while occupying a building had been vacant for years. They are tremendous corporate citizens, and I look forward to them becoming a part of the Muncie community,” said Dennis Tyler, Muncie Mayor.