KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC-Iconic motorcycle manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Co. hopes to stage a comeback from a new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Cleveland County, NC.

Founded in 1901, the company stopped building motorcycles in the 1950s, but enthusiasm for its classic bikes, with their sweeping fenders and powerful engines, has endured, undiminished, through the decades. The plant will measure approximately 40,000 square feet, but there is room to expand to 125,000 square feet.

"We believe Cleveland County and the greater Charlotte area are a perfect fit for Indian Motorcycle," says Indian Chairman, Stephen Julius. "We are in the heart of our nation's powersports industry, with access to design, engineering and mechanical talent, world-class suppliers, motorsport education centers and year-round motorcycle riding weather."

Currently, the company is doing design work, engineering and testing of a new "Indian Chief" model, which it hopes to bring to market in late 2007.