EVANSVILLE, IN -- Haier America announced plans today to open a product research and development center here, creating 50 new high-wage jobs by 2015.

The US division of the multinational home appliance and consumer electronics manufacturer Haier Group expects the new 30,000 sq. ft. facility will be operational by early next year. The site will support and develop appliances, home comfort products and home entertainment products for Haier's North American market.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Haier up to  $1.4 million in conditional tax credits and up to  $450,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The tax credits are performance-based, and the company is not eligible to claim incentives until hirings take place. The city of Evansville is also offering incentives.

Indiana has quickly become a center for innovation, with companies like Haier America choosing Hoosiers to lead their product development," said Governor  Mike Pence in a press statement. "With their decision, Haier America will gain a central U.S. location, along with taxes and other business expenses designed for affordability. These high-tech jobs are perfect for  Indiana, a state where our workforce has the skills and knowledge needed to design products for homes across America."

Haier America currently employs more than 300 workers in the US. The division will begin hiring engineers, designers, lab techs, model makers and other professionals this fall. Interested applicants can apply at http://www.haieramerica.com/careers.

"As the world's number one appliance manufacturer, Haier's strategy has been to establish localized R&D and manufacturing bases that allow the company to support each regions' specifics needs," said Adrian Micu, president and chief executive of Haier America. "Evansville has an established infrastructure and workforce that we believe will allow us to quickly and successfully build out a tech center focused on designing products tailored for the unique experiences of the US consumer."

"The decision by Haier to locate a new research and development center in Evansville and initially hire 50 workers is another boost to our local economy," said Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke . "Today's announcement is also a symbolic victory for our region and signifies a re-emergence in the appliance industry in a city with a strong manufacturing history of producing refrigerators and large appliances. It is our combined goal that Haier is successful and continues to create more jobs through creation of a world-class tech center in Evansville and the expansion of product delivery in North America."

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