Area Development
Two companies plan to expand their operations in La Porte and Merrillville, creating 65 new jobs over the next few years in northwest Indiana.

Synchronous drive products producer B&B Manufacturing will invest $5.1 million to construct and equip a new 80,000 square-foot facility in La Porte, expanding its operating space by 50,000 square feet over its current facility for the production of parts including timing belt pulleys and roller chain sprockets.

With plans to begin operations in the new facility this fall, the homegrown-Hoosier company serves the power transmission and precision mechanical component industries with its team of more than 70 associates. B&B Manufacturing, which has already begun hiring for manufacturing positions, plans to create up to 40 new jobs by 2024.

Launching operations in January, IT hardware and software solutions firm CSO IT Procurement is investing $235,000 to lease and equip a 1,200 square-foot facility at the Purdue Technology Center in Merrillville. A spin-off Competitive Support Options, CSO IT Procurement partners with computer manufacturers to supply the healthcare, financial services, manufacturing and education sectors with technology solutions at competitive prices.

Specializing in serving K-12 schools, CSO IT Procurement has already begun hiring for sales, technical and administrative positions, with plans to create up to 25 new jobs by 2019.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered B&B Manufacturing, Inc. up to $200,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. CSO IT Procurement, Inc. was offered up to $226,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $24,000 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. The city of La Porte approved additional incentives for B&B Manufacturing at the request of the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation. The town of Merrillville supports CSO IT Procurement’s project.

“Whether it’s the latest tech solution or an important mechanical component, Indiana has the workforce to build it,” said Governor Mike Pence. “In Indiana we are helping companies like CSO IT Procurement and B&B Manufacturing further their operations, advanced by an experienced workforce and an affordable business environment.”