Harrison Electric, Inc., an electric motor repair company, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 14 new jobs by 2016.
The homegrown-Hoosier company will invest $1 million to construct and equip a 15,000 square-foot expansion to its current 23,000 square-foot facility located at 10855 W. 400 N in Michigan City. The facility is anticipated to be operational by December and will help Harrison Electric raise its ceiling and double its lifting capacity of industrial electrical motors to 40 tons.
"Indiana's economic motor runs with the growth of homegrown-Hoosier companies," said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "With a motivated workforce and innovative minds leading us into the future, these companies find great assets for growth here in Indiana. A favorable regulatory environment, low taxes and pro-growth policies reinforce Indiana as the best choice for companies searching for a state that works for business."
Harrison Electric, which currently has more than 30 full-time employees, will begin hiring machinists, mechanics and electrical technicians in December. Interested applicants can apply in person or learn more by visiting www.harrison-elec.com.
"With the current limitations of our facility, we were being forced to turn down work," said Tom Walma, president of Harrison Electric. "I'm pleased that we will be able to say 'yes' to additional projects while remaining here in Indiana, where lower taxes, great employees and abundant support from local and state leaders will allow us to continue growing our business right here at home."
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Harrison Electric specializes in motor and electrical apparatus repair and maintenance. These services include motor rewinding, infrared scanning, vibration analysis, welder repair, switchgear maintenance and laser alignment. Serving the Chicago, northern Indiana and the southwest Michigan markets, the company is ISO 9001 certified by SRI Quality Systems Register.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Harrison Electric, Inc., up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. LaPorte County approved additional tax abatement at the request of SEH of Indiana.
"We are and will continue to work with existing business on their expansion efforts," said Mark Yagelski, president of the LaPorte County Council. "Harrison, as well as Dwyer, are examples of our dedication to helping those businesses that have been a part of our community. We understand that keeping our core businesses successful will result in job stability and new job creation. If we cannot take care of what we have today, how can those outside of LaPorte feel comfortable making investments here? We will continue to take care of our core and we invite others looking for a stable community to make their investments."
Harrison Electric is the latest company to grow its operations in LaPorte County. Just last month Dwyer Instruments announced plans to expand its operations in Kingsbury, investing $769,000 to lease and equip an 11,000 square-foot facility and creating up to 50 new jobs by 2016.