Robotics Company Expanding Operations, Adding Jobs in Lake County

Tri-State Automation invests initial $2.5 million, plans for more

Hammond, Ind. (Feb. 2, 2016) – Tri-State Automation (TSA), which manufactures and refurbishes robotic automation integration systems, announced today to expand its operations in Hammond creating 30-50 new jobs with an average wage of $55,000 plus benefits over the next several years.

The company, which is a division of the 35 year old Hammond- based Tri-State Industries (TSI), is investing approximately $2.5 million to renovate, repurpose and equip a 13,000-square-foot facility and surrounding grounds at 710 Michigan Street. With increased customer demand, TSA has outgrown its shared manufacturing facility and further plans to add Phase 2 to the project scope.

TSA expects to invest an additional $2.5 million and break ground on a new 60,000-square-foot build-to-suit operation (Phase 2) on the same site later this spring. Construction is expected to be complete in late 2016 early 2017, allowing the company to increase production of its systems and potentially add training facilities for customers.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Tri-State Automation to capitalize on Midwest market presence and partnership with the City of Hammond and the IEDC to bring more advanced manufacturing jobs to Lake County,” said Don Keller, TSA Founder. “When it came down to it, we knew Hammond was the best location with the highly skilled workforce that possesses a strong work ethic. We are excited about the growth we foresee for the company and our many current and future employees.”

Parent company, TSI, will retain the 65 current employees and continue to manufacture and distribute metal fabricated products, assemble and test associated mechanical systems at its current 70,000 square foot facility on Columbia Avenue.

“Indiana continues to boast the highest concentration of private sector manufacturing jobs in the nation because companies like Tri-State Automation are choosing the Hoosier State for growth,” said Jim Schellinger, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “As a state, we have worked hard to create a business friendly climate by balancing our budget and cutting costs, reducing regulations and investing in the development of our future workforce. We are proud to support Tri-State Automation’s expansion as it creates more quality jobs for hardworking Hoosiers.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Tri-State Automation. Inc. up to $185,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is not eligible to claim incentives until jobs are created. The city of Hammond has approved additional incentives including a $20,000 façade grant for exterior building improvements at the request of the Lake County Indiana Economic Alliance (LCEA).

“Hammond is focused on advanced manufacturing as evidenced by today’s announcement and the work and investment by the Purdue Commercialization Center. It’s an opportunity to meld education and the needs of industry, preparing the workforce of the future through robotics and lean manufacturing principals,” said Mayor Tom McDermott, City of Hammond. “TSA’s initial $2.5 million to repurpose a long vacant, aged industrial facility is a sign of industrial renewal and the planned Phase 2 investment of another $2.5 million plus high paying jobs added to our local economy is a fantastic way to start 2016. Awarding a $20,000 façade grant is one way to make sure that trend continues well into Hammond’s future.”

“We were pleased to manage this project start to finish, bringing together the right parties in a coordinated effort resulting in a total overall investment of $5 million, renovated industrial building with another new structure in the plans, capped with 30-50 new and 65 retained jobs,” said Karen Lauerman, President and CEO of the Lake County IN Economic Alliance (LCEA). “LCEA’s mission is to attract and retain quality jobs and investment in Lake County. This project clearly covers all those aspects and more.”