Indiana's sister-state relationship with East China's Zhejiang province is being credited with helping to place a distribution center in an Indianapolis suburb.

Hangzhou Hidea Power Machinery Co Ltd, a manufacturer of outboard engines and motors, announced the opening of a distribution center in Brownsburg, Indiana, in December.

Colin Renk, executive director of the America China Society of Indiana, said the center is already operational.

"Brownsburg serves as a major distribution hub for businesses due to its close proximity to the Indianapolis International Airport, FedEx's second largest hub, and access to Interstates 70, 74, 65 and 69," he wrote in an email.

"Brownsburg has prided itself on the development of a business climate that attracts many types of logistics, life science and manufacturing (companies). This center adds another type of product and brings a new partner to the community who will employ residents and create further growth through expansion and possible spinoff partnerships," Brownsburg Town Manager Grant Kleinhenz said in an email.

Renk said Hidea did not receive any incentives from the state but is currently working with the Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership on local incentives.

Hidea will invest some $500,000 to lease and equip the distribution center. The company expects to hire six employees immediately and has plans to add up to 15 more employees over the next few years.

"We're very happy to welcome Hidea to the Hoosier State," Renk said in a statement. "Indiana has developed a rich, long-standing relationship with China, and we're committed to creating more mutually beneficial opportunities in the future."

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb welcomed Zhejiang Party Secretary Che Jun to the state last year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Indiana's sister-state relationship with the province. As part of the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed to strengthen business and economic ties between the two states.

The American China Society of Indiana is a non-profit organization focused on promoting economic development, trade and investment opportunities between Indiana and China.

paulwelitzkin@chinadailyusa.com