Louisville manufacturer investing $18M in Scottsburg campus
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A steel and composite products manufacturer headquartered in Louisville is expanding into Scott County. GIM Inc. plans to invest more than $18 million to develop a manufacturing campus in Scottsburg and create up to 135 jobs by the end of 2026.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. says the new location will be used to increase production of the company’s Sandwich Plate System (SPS), which involves a load-bearing composite panel that can be used in place of concrete.
The campus is being developed at the former Tokusen USA facility on West Weir Road in Scottsburg. The investment includes $10 million for land acquisition, $3 million in new construction, more than $1.1 million in improvements to existing buildings, over $1.2 million in new equipment, furnishings and technology, and $3 million in lease payments.
“This is an important strategic investment for GIM Inc.,” President Chris Gibbs said in a news release. “We are launching entry into a market to meet the increased demand for environmentally sound, time-saving solutions for infrastructure in the United States and beyond. The state of Indiana, the city of Scottsburg and One Southern Indiana have been fantastic partners, working hard to make this process a smooth one as we are choosing southern Indiana for our manufacturing footprint.”
GIM says the SPS technology provides a high strength-to-weight ratio and extended fatigue life. SPS is used as a replacement for concrete in bridges, parking garages, stadiums and arenas, and heavy duty and clean room floor panels.
In addition to the SPS, the company provides design and fabrication for other steel and composite products.
Construction on the new Scottsburg campus is expected to begin in January. The company anticipates the start of hiring for positions such as welders, fabricators, CNC technicians, CDL drivers, engineering designers, front office and sales associates in December.
The IEDC says the new jobs are expected to offer salaries above the average wage in Scott County.
“This is big news for the city of Scottsburg and for the region,” said Mayor Terry Amick. “We’re so excited to be working with the team at GIM Inc. as they build on their tremendous success and establish a vibrant presence in southern Indiana. This building has a great history and will serve as the perfect home for this company as it grows here in Scottsburg.”
The IEDC has offered GIM Inc. up to $1.9 million in conditional tax credits, which the company will not be eligible to claim until Hoosier workers are hired for the new jobs. The city of Scottsburg has approved additional incentives.