Area Development
Grinds, a producer of coffee-based alternatives to chewing tobacco, plans to relocate its California-based headquarters and production facility to Hamilton County, Indiana. The company will invest more than $6.7 million and create up to 56 new jobs by 2023.

The company plans to relocate its headquarters from Oakland, California, and consolidate its production, fulfillment and distribution operations to Westfield, Indiana. To support its move to Indiana, Grinds plans to establish operations at 17065 Oak Ridge Road, leasing and equipping a 27,000-square-foot facility. The build out of the new space is scheduled to begin this month.

"When the founders of Grinds began the search for a new headquarters, I knew Indiana had to be at the top of the list," said Ken Warren, Grinds COO. "Because of the collaborative efforts by the city of Westfield, state of Indiana and our site consultant, RESOURCE, it was an easy choice to pick Westfield for our fast-growing business. We're thrilled to grow and expand Grinds in the Hoosier state!"

Founded in 2009 by college roommates Matt Canepa and Pat Pezet, Grinds was originally designed as a healthy tobacco alternative for professional baseball players. After years of gathering feedback from professional baseball players, working with manufacturers and procuring machinery, the company perfected its product, which are flavored coffee pouches packed with energy-boosting B vitamins and important nutrients for daily activities.

"Indiana's reputation as a destination for business continues to be heard across the nation, attracting companies like Grinds," Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch said. "With a world of options, we're thrilled Grinds chose to expand in Indiana. We look forward to witnessing their success in our state as they produce their innovative product with the help of our Hoosier workforce."

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Grinds LLC up to $250,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning that until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Westfield approved additional incentives.