Carrier Relocating Indianapolis Manufacturing Operations To Mexico

INDIANAPOLIS -- Carrier Corp. confirmed Wednesday that it plans to relocate its Indianapolis manufacturing operations to Mexico.

Inside Indiana Business reporter Dan McGowan reports the move will result in the loss of hundreds of Indianapolis jobs.

The company says the transition is expected to begin in 2017, and over the course of three years, affect 1,400 Hoosier jobs.

A Carrier spokesperson told Inside Indiana Business that a timeline for the move and other details will be determined after discussions with union representatives. Carrier's HVAC residential headquarters and engineering positions will stay in Marion County. 

In a statement, Carrier HVAC Systems and Services North America President Chris Nelson said the move is part of the HVAC industry's continued migration to Mexico. 

"Relocating our operations to a region where we have existing infrastructure and a strong supplier base will allow us to operate more cost effectively," Nelson said.

In the statement, Nelson also said the decision was "difficult" and that the company realizes the impact the move will have on its employees and their families. Eligible employees could receive assistance, including access to Carrier's Employee Scholar Program to help them further their education. 

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett issued an executive order Wednesday, creating a task force charged with coordinating local, state and federal resources in support of Carrier employees hit by the job cuts. 

"Today's surprise announcement was without warning and incredibly disappointing," Hogsett said in a statement. "While I am obviously concerned about the economic impact, my top priority is the well-being of the hardworking families affected by this decision."