Ohio manufacturer continues Jay County expansion
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Joyce/Dayton Corp., a manufacturer of lifting equipment and actuators headquartered in Kettering, Ohio, is growing its operations in Jay County.
The company announced Tuesday it plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Portland and create nearly 40 jobs by the end of 2026, though financial details of the investment were not immediately disclosed.
The project will add 26,000 square feet to its current, 82,000-square-foot facility, which the company said is the largest expansion in its 150-year history.
Joyce/Dayton currently employs 115 people at the Portland facility, which was built in 1972 and has undergone 10 expansions since that time. The company said the latest expansion will have a focus on safety and ergonomics to benefit its workers.
“Our workforce possesses a relentless commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, which is why we continue to be the leader in the linear motion industry,” Portland Plant Manager Kyle Roe said in a news release. “Because of their dedication, expertise, and pursuit of excellence, we are experiencing business growth and are pleased to announce the expansion of our operations.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has offered Joyce/Dayton up to $275,000 in conditional tax credits and plans to offer up to $200,000 from the Hoosier Business Investment tax credit program. The company will not be eligible to claim the incentives until Hoosier workers are hired and trained.
The company, which celebrated 50 years in Portland last year, expects to begin hiring for the new jobs in the second half of 2024. The facility operates three shifts, and the new jobs will be added across all shifts.
“We are thrilled for Joyce/Dayton’s decision to expand in Indiana,” said IEDC Chief Strategy Officer Ann Lathrop. “Their commitment to offering high wages and quality career opportunities will undoubtedly pave the way for Hoosiers. This also serves as a testament to what Jay County has in store, not only for its residents but for the surrounding communities.”
Joyce/Dayton is planning to break ground on the expansion next March. The general contractor is Minster, Ohio-based H.A. Dorsten and architectural and engineering design is being handled by St. Louis-based Arcturis.