FERDINAND, IN – MasterBrand Cabinets Inc. is planning an $8 million expansion of its kitchen cabinet facility in Ferdinand, IN, creating up to 262 new jobs by the end of 2016.

Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann joined MasterBrand Cabinets (MBCI) in announcing the news April 11. MBCI said the approximately $8 million investment will be used for additional equipment that will add capacity and expand the product offering at the 500,000 square-foot facility.

“MasterBrand is committed to strategic growth that positions us to drive market share and increase our value proposition,” said Dave Randich, president of MBCI. “As we expand our Ferdinand manufacturing operations, we provide both new and current employees with opportunities for development and advancement.”

Based in Jasper, IN, MBCI currently employs more than 3,500 associates at its six Indiana facilities and more than 1,500 in Ferdinand. The company said it plans to begin hiring cabinet assemblers, component pullers, shipping helpers, supervision and quality positions later this year.

The 262 jobs is almost twice what was initially thought when MBCI proposed to expand the plant in January.

MBCI received funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. of up to $1,250,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants. The city of Ferdinand approved additional tax abatement at the request of Dubois Strong.

This marks MBCI's second expansion in little more than a year. In March 2013, the kitchen cabinetry manufacturer announced plans to add 76 new jobs in Goshen, IN. As of March 2014, MBCI said it had  exceeded that goal, adding more than 109 associates at the location.

Founded in 1954 in Celestine, IN, MasterBrand Cabinets is a subsidiary of Fortune Brands Home & Security. MBCI's brands of cabinetry include: Aristokraft, Decorá, Omega, Homecrest Cabinetry and Diamond, which are sold directly to kitchen and bath dealers, home centers, wholesalers and large builders. MBCI operates more than 25 manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and retail stores throughout North America and employs more than 10,000 people.