Sugar maker to move HQ to former Gary casino site
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Gary-based Indiana Sugars Inc. is planning a multi-phased development that will include a new headquarters, manufacturing and warehouse facilities at the site of the former Majestic Star Hotel and Casino.
The 101-year-old sugar manufacturer and distributor this week announced it had acquired a total of 77 acres near Buffington Harbor for the project, though financial terms were not immediately disclosed.
The entire project, the company said, is expected to take 10 years to complete, with construction on the first phase slated for the second quarter of 2024.
President and Chief Operating Officer John Yonover said in a news release that increasing demand for new products and capacities is driving the company’s expansion.
“This is a true win/win opportunity in that we can build a state-of-the-art facility a mere eight miles from our current Indiana location and allows us to have all our current employees transition to the new facilities over time,” Yonover said. “As we enter our next 100 years, this move strongly positions Indiana Sugars for the future, and to grow within Indiana makes it that much sweeter.”
Indiana Sugars did not specify how many employees will transition to the new location or if any new jobs would be added as a result of the expansion.
The first phase of the project will include a new manufacturing plant and the company’s headquarters building. Both facilities are expected to be completed in 2025. The second and third phases will include additional manufacturing and warehouse facilities, though a timeline for their construction was not provided.
A spokesperson for Indiana Sugars did not respond to multiple requests for more information by deadline Tuesday.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said it was a priority for his administration to ensure that Indiana Sugars remained in the city with its expansion.
“There is no better place than Gary for Indiana Sugars to grow and expand their historic business,” Melton said in the release. “I believe this project is proof that Buffington Harbor and the adjacent footprint will provide Indiana Sugars and future businesses the opportunity to maximize their operations due to Gary’s unique transportation infrastructure.”
The former Majestic Star Casino closed in 2021 when the $300 million Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana opened. Demolition of the venue was completed last year, according to Melton’s office. Indiana Sugars acquired the 55-acre site, as well as 22 acres surrounding Buffington Harbor that was previously occupied by Transport Properties.
In addition to its Gary headquarters, Indiana Sugars also has operations in Illinois, Missouri, Massachusetts, New York, and California.