Indiana governor lauds China ties

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb said he's proud that Chinese investment has made its way to his state and he's looking forward to a bright future for everyone.

Holcomb made the remarks at the groundbreaking for BeijingWest Industries's (BWI) first US facility on Wednesday in Greenfield, Indiana.

Holcomb welcomed BWI as part of the Hoosier family.

"We find it so important to share our Hoosier story with the rest of the world to ensure companies like BWI know the benefits of doing business in a state that works," said Holcomb.

Indiana adopted the nickname "The Hoosier State" more than 150 years ago. Anyone born in Indiana or a resident is considered to be a Hoosier.

"As we know here in Indiana, the sky's the limit when we work together with our business partners," Holcomb said. "That's why having a company like BWI, with their reach around the world, it can only add to our ability to bring the world back here to Indiana."

The 14th Chinese-owned company to set up shop in the Midwestern state, BWI will invest more than $80 million to build and equip the 274,369-square-foot manufacturing facility in Greenfield, creating about 450 jobs in the years to come.

In 2003, The Vanguard National Trailer Corp, a subsidiary of CIMC USA Inc., which itself is a wholly owned subsidiary of China International Marine Container Group Ltd., completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of HPA Monon Corporation, a semi-trailer and chassis manufacturer, and became the first Chinese-owned business established in Indiana.

"I'm far from surprised that we're able to watch companies from China grow here in Indiana," the governor said, "because folks can do the math and they can see how attractive Indiana is in terms of our tax and regulatory environment.

"Down the road here, they can count on our world-class workforce, to get the products made and delivered, on budget and ahead of schedule. We take great pride in those partnerships. There are so many similarities between our investors and the Hoosiers here," said Holcomb.

Another major Chinese company that chose Indiana as its US home was Nanshan Group, a Shandong-based aluminum company.

In 2011, Nanshan announced it would build and equip a $100 million, 435,000-square-foot aluminum manufacturing facility and office in Lafayette, creating the largest Chinese investment in Indiana.

Nanshan also announced it would give $10 million to Purdue University in support of its international programs, research, training and scholarships.

"We know that once companies and people move to Indiana, they grow deep roots, they don't just stay, but they thrive. It's like a magnet that attracts investment," said Holcomb.

In the months to come, Indiana will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of its sister-state relationship with China's Zhejiang province.

"It's absolutely all about developing the relationships, developing the trust," Holcomb said. "That relationship becomes a partnership."

Holcomb has been to China once, and "it will not be the only time", he said.

"I've been to Beijing, to the Tibetan province, Chengdu," he said. "I look forward, as governor now, to getting over there to continue to say thank you and not just for the investment that has been made, but for the relationships."

"We seek to grow on both sides. When I do next visit China and the leadership, I want to express my desire not just to export but to import as well. It's a balance sheet that we focus on both sides," Holcomb said.

Indiana celebrated its bicentennial last December and as Indiana enters its third century, Holcomb said he is committed to taking Indiana to the next level by strengthening ties with China.

"We will continue building relationships with countries across the globe, including China, sharing both economic and cultural benefits," said Holcomb.

"We will continue to keep our taxes and costs low with minimal regulations so companies like BWI can thrive in Indiana," said Holcomb.

leshuodong@chinadailyusa.com