CARMEL, Ind. -

In addition to switching an executive from Insurance Auto Auctions over to ADESA, KAR Auction Services is taking advantage of local and state tax incentives to expand its headquarters and related work force.

This week, president and chief executive officer Jim Hallett revealed the company will create up to 249 new jobs by 2015. While KAR already employs more than 500 associates at its headquarters, the company plans to begin hiring additional customer service and management personnel in the first quarter of 2011 with additional hiring planned throughout the next five years.

Hallett indicated the company’s growth is the result of recent acquisitions and consolidation of certain corporate functions. Earlier this month, KAR secured six facilities from the Premier Auction Group, as well as breaking ground for a new ADESA site in Las Vegas.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered KAR up to $4.5 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $200,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. The city of Carmel also plans to consider additional property tax abatement at the request of the Hamilton County Alliance.

Government officials believe KAR will take the incentives and invest several million dollars to lease and equip more space at its existing facility at 13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd. in Carmel, Ind.

“Indiana has proven to have a competitive business climate and a skilled workforce,” Hallett said this week.

“So when it came time to expand our operations, it made sense to do so in Carmel,” he continued. “We are excited by this opportunity, and we appreciate the city’s support for our continued growth.”

The head of Indiana’s economic development arm also chimed in.

“A growing company like KAR has many location options when it comes to creating jobs and expanding its business,” explained Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corp.

“Our top priority is to create an economic climate that encourages companies to choose Indiana and today we’re seeing the payoff in hundreds of new jobs for central Indiana,” Roob added.

Meanwhile, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard added, “I am pleased that ADESA has decided to expand its corporate headquarters. Our focus and commitment to a high quality of life is always key in attracting and retaining companies in Carmel.”

All told, KAR employs nearly 11,000 associates throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico through its network that includes 70 ADESA auctions, 159 Insurance Auto Auctions facilities and 88 Automotive Finance Corp. loan production offices.

ADESA Names Executive Sales Director of Specialty Sales Division

In other company news, an executive from sister company Insurance Auto Auctions has been moved over to ADESA as its new executive sales director for the company’s specialty sales division. Sliding into this role effective immediately is Bill Bishop.

ADESA management indicated Bishop will report directly to Jane Morgan, specialty sales division president.

Officials mentioned Bishop brings more than 22 years of automotive industry experience to his new role at ADESA. Most recently, he served as the national sales manager of the specialty division at IAA.

During his four years in this role, the company indicated Bishop led the remarketing of a variety of specialty units, ranging from heavy trucks and trailers to forestry equipment, construction vehicles, boats and RVs.

Bishop’s previous experience includes management roles with The Kriete Group in Wisconsin and Minnesota as well as Budget Car and Truck Rental.

“With the continued growth of ADESA’s specialty sales division, it’s essential to have a season professional like Bill serving our customers,” Morgan stressed. “His background and experience make him a wonderful addition to our team.”