Michigan City manufacturer expanding, adding 75 jobs
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Vanair Manufacturing Inc. has announced plans to expand in LaPorte County. The company said it will invest $8.3 million to add a 100,000-square-foot building near its headquarters on the south side of Michigan City and create 75 jobs.
The 51-year-old company manufactures a variety of mobile power products, including air compressors, generators, welders and battery chargers.
The company said in a news release the expansion will not only provide increased operational capacity but also “facilitate further vertical integration and the incorporation of advanced fabrication equipment.”
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting expansion project and contribute to the economic development of LaPorte County,” CEO Ralph Kokot said in written remarks. “Our company has experienced remarkable growth over the past 15 years, and this expansion will enable us to meet the increasing demand for our products while creating new employment opportunities.”
Vanair currently employs 200 across two facilities in Michigan City, and the company said the new jobs will further bolster the region’s workforce.
The new building is being constructed by La Porte-based J. Shoffner General Contractor Inc. Construction is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter.
The LaPorte County Council has approved an Economic Revitalization Area and a statement of benefits for the project, but specific details were not available as of deadline Friday.
It was also unclear if the Indiana Economic Development Corp. is providing any incentives for the latest expansion. The company was awarded $200,000 in tax credits in 2018 for a $305,000 investment that was expected to result in 25 new jobs.