(La Porte County, IN) - A maker of commercial air compressors and other mobile forms of power is expanding for the third time since relocating to La Porte County.
Vanair Manufacturing, Inc. plans to add a 100,000 square foot building at its current site along County Road 300 North just south of Interstate 94 outside Michigan City. The projected $8.3 million investment in new construction and equipment was recently awarded a 10-year tax abatement by the LaPorte County Council.
Ralph Kokot, chief executive officer of the company, said the firm has experienced remarkable growth since the move 15-years ago while citing further increases in demand for products for the need to further grow the company.
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting expansion project and contribute to the economic development of La Porte County,” he said.
More than 70 jobs are projected to be added to the existing workforce of about 160 from the investment.
Vanair Manufacturing was founded just over a half century ago, originally a small operation with less than a few dozen employees on two land-locked sites along U.S. 12 in New Buffalo Township and The Pines in Porter County. This stood until the company began looking for a different location to consolidate and expand, per Matt Reardon with the Center for Economic Development, Planning and Governmental Affairs for La Porte County government.
Reardon said his office showed representatives of the firm a roughly 50-acre undeveloped site targeted for economic growth. He said they were drawn by the affordable cost of the ground along with its close proximity to Interstate 94 for quicker distribution of products and receiving supplies.
The company’s decision to relocate there was made official when offered tax abatement by La Porte County government and other incentives from the state.
Reardon credited the firm and its ability to compete in the marketplace for the success achieved at the new location. However, Reardon said the tremendous growth of the firm shows what’s possible with a little help from the public sector.
“This is a good example of what can happen. This is a really good example."
Kokot agreed roles played by stakeholders from outside the firm have made a positive impact.
“We are grateful for the collaborative efforts that have put us on the map and allowed our business to thrive,” he said.
Vanair Manufacturing also makes other commercial mobile power products such as generators, welders and battery charges.
Reardon said the economic activity generated by all of the expansions doesn’t compare to the financial home run struck from landing a major automaker, for example, but the benefits are still noticeable.
“It’s a good impact. Singles and doubles count, too,” he said.
Despite the abatement, Reardon said property taxes will be owed by the company on the latest expansion at a discounted rate. Tthe amount collected annually on the new construction will be about half the $72,000-a-year billed after the tax abatement expires.
“It all adds up."
