SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) _ A supplier for the recreational vehicle industry is planning to start operations at a closed South Bend distribution center and hire more than 150 workers this year.
South Bend officials say Lippert Components will lease the former A.J. Wright distribution center on the city's west side. The Goshen-based company makes mattresses, seating and other accessories for the RV and manufactured housing industries.
The South Bend Tribune reports Lippert will sublet half of the building, but expects to take over the entire facility within about five years for a large-scale manufacturing site with up to 700 workers.
City officials say Lippert is committed to hiring 180 people this year.
The distribution center has been vacant since A.J. Wright shut it down in early 2011, ending about 700 jobs.
