HUNTINGTON, Ind. (Indiana’s NewsCenter) - Onward Manufacturing Company, a Canadian manufacturer and distributor of outdoor grilling products, officially opened its first U.S. grill production center in the city of Huntington bringing 300 new jobs by 2011.

Governor Mitch Daniels was on hand for the announcement.

Onward officials say they invested several million dollars to renovate the old Majestic factory, which formerly housed a fireplace manufacturer.

Company spokesmen say they considered moving their facility out of the U.S, but Indiana sweetened the deal with several tax abatements.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Onward up to $1.6 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $150,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans.

Daniels says the move proves Indiana is preserving a low-tax and pro-business environment.

“I really like that fact that, here, Huntington beat the whole world as the president mentioned in some detail,” Governor Daniels said. “These jobs could have easily have gone to China or stayed in Canada. Huntington put Indiana's best foot forward and won the day and that makes it special.”

Mayor Steve Updike says the new jobs will help the City of Huntington lower its growing unemployment rate, which stands at 10.5 percent right now.

Company officials say 17 new employees started on second shift Tuesday night.

If you have any questions or want to apply call Onward at 260-358-4111.

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