FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Master Spas today announced plans to invest $15.3 million to expand their operations, creating up to 107 new jobs over the next four years. The expansion includes the purchase of a larger facility, which company leaders predict will become the largest swim spa manufacturing facility in the world.
Master Spas was founded in Fort Wayne in 1996. The company has experienced strong growth for the past several years, becoming the largest manufacturer of hot tubs that are made in the USA, and the largest manufacturer of swim spas in the world.
The company plans to expand into the former Fort Wayne Plastics facility at 510 Sumpter Drive, which will grow Master Spas’ total facility space to 460,000 square feet on 33 acres, an increase of 55 percent. The new building is expected to be in full operation by January 2019.
The new space will become a state-of-the-art swim spa factory which will include manufacturing, warehouse, research and development, and a design center with new offices for the marketing and engineering departments. This will free up needed space in Master Spas’ existing building to expand the hot tub operation, allow for more parking, and make room for additional offices for its growing staff–company leaders expect to employ a total of 550 workers within the year.
Interested applicants may learn more about Master Spas’ employment opportunities at www.MasterSpasJobs.com.
“We are very excited for the opportunity to continue growing right here in Fort Wayne,” said Terry Valmassoi, president of Master Spas. “We pride ourselves on quality and innovation, and we know this new facility will help us remain an industry leader in the community we love.”
Master Spas serves customers worldwide through their network of more than 300 independent dealers and contract service centers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The company produces high-quality hot tubs and spas as well as fitness swim spas, including a Michael Phelps Signature line, designed with input from 23-time gold medalist Michael Phelps and his coach, Bob Bowman.
“Companies like Master Spas continue to elevate Indiana’s reputation as a global leader in the manufacturing sector,” said Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). “We’re proud that Master Spas, a homegrown Hoosier manufacturer, continues to call Indiana home, expanding its footprint in Allen County and adding more quality jobs in the community.”
The IEDC offered Master Spas up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $75,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning that until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Northeast Indiana Works will provide the company with additional hiring and training assistance. Allen County Council will also consider tax phase-ins for Master Spas’ eligible real and personal (equipment) property investments.
“I am excited that such a nationally renowned manufacturer as Master Spas has decided to expand once again in Allen County,” said Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters. “Their product, growth, and dedication to Allen County is what helps to make this community a great place to live, work, and play.”
As Fort Wayne and Allen County’s primary point of contact for economic development services, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. worked with state and local partners to assist Master Spas with their expansion plans. To date in 2018, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. has assisted 21 businesses in expansions or relocations in Allen County, resulting in a total of more than $210 million in new investment and 617 projected new jobs.
About Master Spas
Master Spas is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we proudly manufacture all of our swim spas and hot tubs. Operating out of a high-tech, 33-acre campus, we are the largest manufacturer of hot tubs that are made in the USA, and the largest manufacturer of swim spas in the world. We’ve won numerous awards and recommendations for our products and have earned a reputation for quality, innovation and craftsmanship. To learn more, visit www.masterspas.com.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its metro chamber alliance and primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement.
