The City of La Porte, Mayor Tom Dermody, and the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) partnered to bring big news to residents at the city council meeting on July 6.
Tom Dermody and the La Porte City Council joined representatives from Patrick Industries to announce plans to open a new facility in La Porte. This development is predicted to create up to 35 new jobs in the community by 2025.
Mayor Dermody and LEAP have been promoting efforts all summer long to continue to bolster the workforce and economy in La Porte. In May, LEAP hosted a hiring event to inform citizens about the many opportunities for employment in La Porte. This partnership with Patrick Industries cements City of La Porte’s dedication to its residents and community.
“This is the first time we've stepped out and said that we need to have inventory available so when companies are looking to move, they come to La Porte,” said Mayor Tom Dermody. “Patrick Industries is the type of company we're talking about.”
Patrick Industries is a major manufacturer and distributor of component and building products for the recreational vehicle, marine, and manufactured housing industries. The company was founded in 1959. Currently, Patrick Industries employs 9,500 people at over 170 manufacturing and distribution facilities located in the United States, Canada, and China.
LEAP Executive Director Bert Cook explained the projected job opportunities that will be offered to La Porte citizens.
“Patrick Industries leased the building for a period of 10 years. They will create up to 35 jobs, and the average wage of these jobs is $26 an hour plus benefits,” said Cook. “They're set to make their initial capital investment right now of $8 million, and they see the potential in investing another $9 million depending upon market conditions.”
Mayor Dermody expressed excitement at what Patrick Industries will bring to the people of La Porte.
“I'm so excited for this new development with Patrick Industries,” said Mayor Dermody. “We're in growth mode. Jobs, jobs, jobs is what people have talked about. This is the pay scale our residents in the community deserve, and we're excited to see Patrick Industries do more here.”
President of the city council, Tim Franke, recognizes the positive potential of working with Patrick Industries.
“This has always been something that we've been focused on in terms of bringing a good company, but more importantly, good paying jobs with benefits to the City of La Porte,” said Franke. “Right off the bat, we're looking at potentially 35 jobs with a $52,000 salary and benefits on top of that. That can have a major impact on our community.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has also partnered with the city on this project and approved a $360,000 conditional tax credit for the company based on the company’s plan to create 35 jobs by the end of 2024.
Matt Saltanovitz, the Director of Northwest Indiana for the Indian Economic Development Corporation, details how important it is that La Porte is developing a facility that businesses like Patrick Industries want to invest in.
“I can't stress how important that is in my line of work. I speak to a lot of companies that are looking to expand or locate here in Northwest Indiana, and the number one challenge we have is the inventory of available commercial industrial buildings,” said Saltanovitz.
Mayor Dermody echoes one impactful phrase throughout the discussion:
“If you build it, they will come.”
To keep up on all “Livin’ the Lake Life” in La Porte, check out for https://laportepartnership.com/ economic advancement and https://livinthelakelife.org/ for community events.
