Vanair Manufacturing, Inc. recently began construction of its new, 60,000 square foot, manufacturing plant in Michigan City, Ind. The company will manufacture vehicle-mounted air compressors and generators in the facility.

“We’re certainly very excited about the move to the Michigan City area, and this new direction and location will give Vanair the opportunity to grow and expand our business,” said Greg Kokot, president of Vanair. “Assistance from the Michigan City Economic Development Corp., the Indiana EDC, and the La Porte County Economic Development team made the move to Indiana a much easier one for our company.”

The start of construction marks an investment of $2.6 million in building and machinery in the county. The new plant will increase production by doubling its current space and reconfiguring process flow.

Ralph Kokot, CEO of Vanair Manufacturing, said the economic incentives offered to move his company from Michigan to LaPorte County made the project possible. LaPorte County is assisting Vanair with its expansion with tax abatement, industrial development bond financing and a loan. The IEDC is assisting with tax credits and training funds. Kokot said the company plans to actively recruit new employees from LaPorte County.

Vanair Manufacturing has been at its present location on U.S. 12 just west of New Buffalo since it was founded in 1972. Kokot bought the company in 1997. He said the 48-employee company manufactures vehicle-mounted air compressors and its major market is utility companies.

For MORE NEWS BRIEFS, click here.

For a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to Expansion Management magazine, click here.

For MORE NEWS BRIEFS SORTED BY STATE, click here.