INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Governor Joe Kernan announced today that the Indiana Department of Commerce has awarded PK U.S.A. Inc.’s Shelbyville facility $120,000 from the Skills Enhancement Fund. The grant will be used to train 442 current employees following a $5 million equipment upgrade.
The Indiana-based company manufactures a variety of vehicle parts for Isuzu, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Subaru. The Commerce funding will be used to train employees in math, reading, English as a Second Language programs, welding, and robotics, as well as helping employees receive their GED.
"We are pleased to award this grant to PK U.S.A. Inc.," said Kernan, who leads the state’s economic development efforts. "This company is an important economic force in Shelbyville. We are confident that the company’s commitment to its products and its workers will be a winning combination for years to come."
In operation in Shelbyville since 1989, PK U.S.A. has expanded five times. The plant is the primary supplier of metal body parts, chassis parts and plastic injection parts for automotive companies throughout the world.
"We are excited to receive this Commerce funding," said Bill Kent, vice president of human resources and administrative affairs. "As we invest in our most important and vital resource, our people, we remain committed to our training initiatives."
Commerce awards Skills Enhancement Fund grants, formerly Training 2000 grants, to Indiana companies that undertake capital investment projects. The grants help defray the costs of training new and current employees in basic work skills and company-specific skills necessary to support the project. Companies interested in learning more about the Training 2000 grant or other Commerce incentives should contact the Business Development Division at (800) 463-8081, or access its Web site at www.indianacommerce.com.
