On Tuesday, Tri-State Automation (TSA) announced the expansion of its operations in Hammond over the next several years that will lead to the creation of between 30-50 new jobs with an average annual salary of $55,000 plus benefits. Tri-State Automation, a division of Hammond based Tri-State Industries, is investing approximately $2.5 million to renovate, repurpose and equip a 13,000 square-foot facility and surrounding grounds at 710 Michigan Street.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Tri-State Automation to capitalize on Midwest market presence and partnership with the City of Hammond and the IEDC to bring more advanced manufacturing jobs to Lake County,” said TSA Founder, Don Keller. “When it came down to it, we knew Hammond was the best location with the highly skilled workforce that possesses a strong work ethic. We are excited about the growth we foresee or the company and our many current and future employees.”
With increased customer demand, TSA has outgrown its shared manufacturing facility and further plans to add Phase 2 to the project scope. TSA expects to break ground on its new 60,000 sq/ft build-to-suit operation on the same site later this spring. Construction is expected to be complete in late 2016, early 2017, allowing the company to increase production of it systems and potentially add training facilities for customers.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Tri-State Automation Inc. up to $185,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance based, meaning the company is not eligible to claim incentives until the jobs are created. The City of Hammond as approved additional incentives including a $20,000 facade grant for exterior building improvements at the request of the Lake County Indiana Economic Alliance (LCEA).
“Indiana continues to boast the highest concentration of private sector manufacturing jobs in the nation because of companies like Tri-State Automation are choosing the Hoosier State for growth,” said Jim Schellinger, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “As a state, we have worked hard to create a business friendly climate by balancing our budget and cutting costs, reducing regulation and investing in the development of our future workforce. We are proud to support Tri-State Automation’s expansion as it creates more quality jobs for hardworking Hoosiers.”
Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott spoke about TSA’s investment in Hammond and how advanced manufacturing is having a positive impact on the city.
“Hammond is focused on advanced manufacturing as evidenced by today’s announcement and the work and investment by the Purdue Commercialization Center,” McDermott said. “It’s an opportunity to meld education and the needs of industry, preparing the workforce of the future through robotics and lean manufacturing principals. TSA’s initial $2.5 million to re-purpose a long vacant, aged industrial facility is a sign of industrial renewal and the planned Phase 2 investment of another $2.5 million plus high paying jobs added to our local economy is a fantastic way to start 2016. Awarding a $20,000 facade grant is one way to make sure that trend continues well into Hammond’s future.”
The Lake County Indiana Economic Alliance is a non-profit county wide, state organized, economic development organization providing key links and contacts to help communities attract and retain business and clients grow and locate operations in Lake County. The LCEA drives jobs and investment for all of Lake County. To find out more, go to: http://lcea.us/