Two companies today announced plans to expand their operations, creating 40 new jobs in northern Indiana.

“By building a business climate like Indiana’s, we’re witnessing homegrown companies like Mishawaka Sheet Metal growing here and national companies like Hickman, Williams & Company choosing to locate here,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “That growth is a direct product of the skilled workforce calling Indiana home—a workforce we’re working collaboratively across the state’s regions to grow even stronger.”

Launching its first Indiana operation, Hickman, Williams & Company will purchase, renovate and equip a 40,000 square-foot vacant facility in the North Point Business Park in La Porte, a state-certified shovel ready site. With renovation expected to begin this fall, the 125-year-old, employee-owned company will use the facility to process consumable materials for the metal and casting industries. In addition to building renovations, Hickman, Williams & Company plans to install up to 2,000 feet of rail connecting the property to the South Shore Railroad to allow for the delivery of raw materials. With additional facilities in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Illinois and California, the company currently employs about 90 full-time associates across the country, with plans to create up to 20 new Hoosier jobs by 2018.

Mishawaka Sheet Metal, a distributor and fabricator of aluminum, steel and sheet metal products, is investing $1.5 million to equip its approximately 75,000 square-foot Elkhart facility. Experiencing increased demand from area RV, cargo trailer, horse trailer and shuttle bus manufacturers, the company is currently installing an additional laser cutting machine and a cut-to-length line to increase production. Founded in 1991, Mishawaka Sheet Metal currently employs 60 Hoosiers. The company plans to create up to 20 new jobs by 2018 and has already begun hiring production technicians and metal fabrication equipment operators. Interested applicants may apply at the Elkhart WorkOne office or online at www.IndianaCareerConnect.com.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Hickman, Williams & Company up to $140,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. Mishawaka Sheet Metal, LLC was offered up to $100,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $20,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is ineligible to claim incentives.

La Porte County approved additional incentives for Hickman, Williams & Company. Elkhart County supports Mishawaka Sheet Metal’s project at the request of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County.

Source: Indiana Economic Development Corp.; Inside INdiana Business