Marshall County manufacturer expanding
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Shells Inc., a manufacturer of sand cores for the foundry industry, is investing nearly $6 million to boost operations at its facility in the Marshall County town of Bourbon. The company said Friday it will use the funding to purchase additional equipment and add nine jobs by the end of 2026.
Founded in 1972, Shells makes cores that are used to produce aluminum sand and permanent mold castings, which are then used to create a wide variety of products.
The company said the expansion is in response to demand for its core molding services and the need for high-tech manufacturing processes.
President and CEO John Edminister told IIB the new, fully-automated equipment will allow for greater efficiency in its manufacturing operations. The new operation involves using 3D printing to facilitate a quicker production of the cores, in addition to using conventional core machines.
“No business can succeed without keeping up with technology, and we are very excited to bring this cutting-edge technology to our Bourbon facility,” Edminister said in written remarks. “We’re deeply appreciative of the support we’ve been given by our local and state officials.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has offered Shells up to $130,000 in Hoosier Business Investment tax credits, which the company will not be eligible to claim until the investment in the new equipment has been made.
Shells anticipates purchasing and installing the equipment the coming year. Marshall County has also approved a personal property tax abatement for the company’s plans.
“Shells has a great reputation for quality work and this addition of 3D printing to its traditional processes is a key move,” said Ann Lathrop, chief strategy officer for the IEDC. “Indiana’s manufacturing sector must continue to evolve technologically if we are to maintain our position as the nation’s most intensive manufacturing state.”
The nine new jobs will bring the company’s total workforce to 90 people. Shells said the new jobs will have a pay range between $17.50 and $34 per hour.