Longstanding, family-owned cable business remains in MC through support of partners
Sandin Manufacturing is expanding its Michigan City facility through the help of area partners, maintaining the family-owned business locally and creating new jobs.
Sandin Manufacturing has been a leading supplier to the wire rope and cable industry for more than 50 years. Construction on the 28,000-square-foot metal addition begins immediately on their current 50,000-square-foot facility, located off of Ind. Hwy. 212 in northeast rural Michigan City.
Construction on the expansion is expected to be completed this fall. In addition, Sandin Manufacturing will be adding eight new jobs to its current workforce. Hiring for the eight entry- to mid-level jobs will begin in winter 2014.
The expansion was approved unanimously by the Michigan City Council at a meeting Tuesday, April 1 night. Mayor Ron Meer said, “I am proud that the City of Michigan City administration and the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana were able to work together with Sandin Manufacturing to find an agreement that is mutually beneficial to both parties. It is exciting to see a hometown company, which began here over 50 years ago, grow into one of the leading global manufacturers of wire rope and cable products. The City of Michigan City looks forward to the bright partnership we have with Sandin Manufacturing as they continue growing and investing in our community.”
Sandin Manufacturing’s expansion is credited to the longevity of the business as well as through support from area partners. Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana (EDCMC) addresses the needs of local businesses with the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR&E). Through the program, EDCMC and Sandin Manufacturing worked together to understand the local business climate, determine future expansion plans with local action, acquaint business executives with programs available through government agencies and provide effective solutions to specific concerns and problems along the way.
EDCMC Executive Director, Clarence Hulse, said, “EDCMC is instrumental in educating companies about what’s available to them, right here in our community. There are many incentives to assist companies, making retention and expansion a seamless process.”
“Sandin Manufacturing looked around and came to the clear decision that Michigan City was the best place to do business,” Hulse continued.
The addition will allow the company to expand its scope of services and products even further. While the family has sold its products nationally since the late 1950s, the company recently received certification to export products to Europe.
The Sandin family began manufacturing in Michigan City in August of 1957 with the formation of Sanlo Manufacturing. The original building was a 5,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on Ohio Street. As the business grew, the building expanded four times over the next 30 years before relocating to a new facility on Ind. Hwy. 212 in the 1990s.
In addition, the Sandin family acquired Guardian Industries in 1977. The business was originally located on 2nd Street and later moved to Ohio Street. Guardian Industries currently continues to operate out of its new facility also located on Ind. Hwy. 212.
In July of 2004, Sanlo Manufacturing was acquired by an investment firm based out of New York. Five year later, while considering ceasing operations in Michigan City and outsourcing to Mexico, the Sandin family decided to re-enter the cable business in an attempt to put as many people back to work as possible. Ground was broken on the company’s current facility in September 2009.
Since its inception, Sandin Manufacturing has grown from its initial 22 employees to its current workforce. Steady growth over the last four years has allowed the company to continue to expand today.
Local companies looking to retain and expand their businesses may call the EDCMC at (219) 873-1211 for more information. For more information on Sandin Manufacturing, visit www.sandinmanufacturing.com.