Companies Unveil Indiana Investment Plans

Indy Chamber News Archives

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 18, 2013) - Governor Mike Pence and executives from seven companies announced today new investments in central Indiana expected to create a combined 1,013 new jobs over the next few years.

"The companies joining us here today have a key role to play in Indiana's resurgent economy," said Pence. "Though their lines of work vary greatly, they are connected by their resiliency and demonstrate the growth potential of Hoosiers and the companies they help drive. I'm thrilled to be joining these Hoosier business leaders as they bring life to our vision of more jobs and increased opportunities across Indiana."

"Indy continues to be an economic bright spot, adding nearly 4,000 new job commitments this year. We look forward to welcoming the investment by these companies in our great city and expect 2014 to be even brighter as Indy's low cost of doing business and pool of talent creates a launch pad for even more new jobs and economic growth," said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.   

Today's news comes amidst the state's record breaking year of economic development results. In 2013, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) secured job commitments from 261 companies from across the country and around the world, an increase from 256 companies in 2012 and more than any other year on record. The 261 companies anticipate investing $2.63 billion in their Indiana operations and creating 21,420 new jobs in the coming years. The new positions, which companies anticipate to hire over the next five years, pay an expected hourly wage of $21.72, above the state's current hourly wage of $20.01. An overview of Indiana's 2013 economic development activities can be found here.

"2013 will go in the record books as another groundbreaking year for Indiana," said Pence. "After jumpstarting the year with the passage of the largest tax cut in state history, we seized our moment to share Indiana as a state that works throughout our borders and to centers of industry around the world. And with Indiana's private sector growth far outpacing the national average, our message is resonating as more companies than ever are choosing Indiana for growth. In the coming year, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining a low-tax, fiscally sound climate and continue to position Indiana as a state that works for business."

"Being able to finish 2013 with these strong commitments to Indy launches us into 2014 on the right foot," said Brian Gildea, Vice President and Executive Director of Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber. "Today's announcements highlight Indy's healthy business climate for both out-of-state and homegrown companies as they choose to grow here, leveraging our competitive business environment and talented workforce."   

St. Louis-based Ascension Health, the nation's largest Catholic and largest nonprofit healthcare system, will expand the Ascension Health Ministry Service Center (MSC) located on the northwest side of Indianapolis, creating up to 549 new jobs by 2016. The MSC, which opened in late June 2011, provides 24 shared services across human resources, supply chain and finance such as payroll, purchase order management and accounts payable. By the end of 2014, the MSC will expand its services to support Ascension's 150,000 associates serving in more than 1,900 sites of care in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Ascension is anticipating additional growth in shared services over the next few years. To accommodate this growth, the MSC will be adding approximately 30,000 to 50,000 square feet in the next few months by expanding within their current facility and leveraging additional Ascension space within the immediate area. The MSC currently employs more than 500 associates with plans to add an additional 500 over the next 3 years.

Bastian Automation Engineering, a division of Indianapolis-headquartered Bastian Solutions, will invest $1 million to lease, renovate and equip its production facility on its seven-acre campus in Greenfield, creating up to 60 new jobs by 2016. The investment will include additional space for the design and production of a new line of standard products. Currently employing 53 full-time Hoosiers in Greenfield, 147 employees across Indiana and 384 employees worldwide, the productivity-focused manufacturing systems provider has already begun hiring assembly, welding, design, project management, metal fabrication, finishing and engineering associates.

Founded in 2011 by Santiago Jaramillo in his dorm room at Indiana Wesleyan University, Bluebridge Digital helps universities, churches, tourism destinations and other organizations engage with their communities through full-featured, easy-to-update mobile apps. The company, under the leadership of Jaramillo and his business partners, Mitch Shields and Adam Weber, has made plans to invest approximately $311,000 to lease 4,500 square feet office space in Fishers and add up to 199 new jobs by 2022. Bluebridge moved into its new office in the fall and is actively recruiting for positions including account management, operations, sales and marketing at www.bluebridgeapps.com/jobs.

North Dakota-based Classic Alumadeck, which designs and manufactures aluminum deck and railings, plans to invest more than $3 million to locate its first Indiana facility in Indianapolis, creating up to 65 new jobs by 2016. The nearly 40,000 square-foot facility located at 3050 S. Arlington Ave. on the southeast side of thecity is expected to opens its doors by the end of the month. Classic Alumadeck, which primarily serves the apartment industry, is currently hiring a variety of positions for the new location, including drafters, welders, laborers and painters. 

Fort Wayne-headquartered DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, a state and local tax consulting services firm, plans to invest $2.78 million to expand its Indianapolis operations and locate a new office on the northeast side of the city at Keystone at the Crossing, creating up to 62 new jobs by 2016. The company, which provides services to Fortune 1000 corporations throughout North America, currently employs 125 associates in Indianapolis and nearly 40 in Fort Wayne. The new 42,000 square-foot space is expected to be operational in July 2014. 

Gruuv Technologies, an information technology engineering consulting firm, plans to invest $450,000 to expand its operations in Indianapolis, adding up to 29 new jobs by 2017. Launched in 2010 in Indianapolis with a pure focus on Microsoft engineering, Gruuv has since evolved into a firm focusing on systems, networks, virtual and physical data centers, technology strategy, and implementation and support services with clients across the country. It is currently hiring engineering, information technology, project management and sales associates.  

Homegrown-Hoosier company Perceivant, LLC, a big data and real-time analytics platform, will invest $309,000 in a leased location in Indianapolis, creating up to 49 new jobs by 2018. Serving underserved clients in the mid-market on a national scale, focusing on health and life sciences, higher education and financial services with its fully-hosted cloud solution, the company is actively hiring software engineers and information technology positions. 

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Ascension Health Shared Services, LLC up to $4,800,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $200,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. Bastian Automation Engineering, LLC was offered up to $375,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. BlueBridge Digital, LLC was offered up to $1,850,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. Classic Alumadeck was offered up to $275,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, Inc. was offered up to $425,000 conditional tax credits and up to $75,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. Gruuv, LLC was offered up to $330,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $35,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. Perceivant, LLC was offered up to $800,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. 

The city of Indianapolis supports the projects of Ascension, Classic Alumadeck, DuCharme, MicMillen & Associates, Gruuv and Perceivant at the request of Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber. Hancock County and the city of Greenfield will consider additional property tax abatement for Bastian's project at the request of the Hancock Economic Development Council. The town of Fishers supports BlueBridge's project with a flexible lease agreement.

About Ascension
Ascension ( www.ascension.org ) is a Catholic healthcare organization dedicated to the transformation of healthcare through excellent clinical care throughout the continuum and innovation. Its subsidiaries include Ascension Health, the nation's largest Catholic and nonprofit health system. Ascension Health provides the highest quality care to all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Last year Ascension Healthprovided $1.5 billion in care of persons living in poverty and community benefit programs. Its Mission-focused Health Ministries employ more than 150,000 associates serving in more than 1,900 sites of care in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Other Ascension subsidiaries provide services that include medical equipment management, treasury management, resource and supply management, venture capital investing, and physician practice management.

About Bastian Automation Engineering
Bastian Solutions, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is an independent material handling system integrator with clients and offices around the world. Founded in 1952, Bastian Solutions has established itself as an innovator in the field of material handling automation, supply chain software, industrial controls, and robotics. The company includes 15 domestic offices as well as 7 international offices in Canada, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Mexico, and Qatar. Bastian Automation Engineering is the division in Greenfield that designs and builds custom automation and conveyors for the material handling industry.  For more information, please visit www.bastiansolutions.com.

About BlueBridge Digital
Bluebridge helps universities, churches, tourism destinations and many other organizations navigate the ever-changing world of mobile technology. Bluebridge's revolutionary platform allows any organization to provide a mobile app, regardless of size or level of technical understanding. By primarily creating products that focus on community engagement, Bluebridge meets consumers where they are, with tools that they carry in their pockets and bags every day. For more information about Bluebridge, visit www.bluebridgeapps.com.

About Classic Alumadeck
Hillsboro, N.D.-based Classic Alumadeck's unique construction allows our system to be light weight and weather resistant without compromising strength. The interlocking rail technology and integrated posts or suspension rod installation adds to the strength of the system. The AlumaDeck and AlumaRail system is a 100% aluminum deck and railing system. We custom design each and every project to meet your exact specifications. Our in-house design team works together with the architect, engineer, construction manager, builder, and owner to make certain that every detail and specification is covered, and that all building codes are met. For more information, visit www.alumadeck.com.  

About DuCharme, McMillen & Associates
DuCharme, McMillen & Associates (DMA) is the leading full-service state and local tax consulting company in North America with offices strategically located across the United States and Canada. We offer a vast array of tax solutions in the areas of property tax, sales/use & commodity tax, state income & franchise tax, tax technology, crown royalties, and medical device excise tax. Our services are customized to each client's unique circumstances, and we focus on providing the best solution, delivering exceptional results that lead to immediate and future benefits to our clients. With more than 40 years experience working with start-up to Fortune 1,000 companies, DMA has gained unparalleled knowledge of the challenges facing corporate tax leaders. Our professionals deliver exceptional solutions designed to overcome those challenges and increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of corporate tax departments. DMA is an employee-owned company (ESOP) headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind.

About Gruuv
Gruuv Technologies is an information technology infrastructure solutions and managed services provider with a breadth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the IT infrastructure life cycle and Tier 1, 2 and 3 desktop and application support. Gruuv's experienced engineers and seasoned technology executives deliver business and technology solutions that align business objectives with optimized IT infrastructures to enable business growth, improve profitability, reduce IT costs, and reduce regulatory and security risks. Gruuv Technologies serves early stage and mature clients across the Midwest in verticals including financial services, manufacturing, information technology, hospitals, health and life sciences, logistics, education, governments, and not-for-profits. For more information, visitwww.gruuvtech.com. 

About Perceivant
Turning Big Data into information that makes a big impact is why Perceivant exists. This opportunity should not be given just to the biggest companies with the most resources. Let's empower companies, big and small, to access their data and use it in innovative ways that change their businesses. We are living in a data-driven world. You don't need more data, you need to be able to act on the answers to the "real questions" you have. For more information, visit www.perceivant.com.

About Develop Indy
Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber, is Marion County's local economic development organization. Develop Indy is dedicated to attracting new businesses, retaining and expanding existing businesses and serving as a catalyst for capital investment and quality job growth in Indianapolis/Marion County. For more information, visit www.developindy.com.    

About IEDC
Created in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mike Pence. Victor Smith serves as the Indiana Secretary of Commerce and Eric Doden is the president of the IEDC. 

The IEDC oversees programs enacted by the General Assembly including tax credits, workforce training grants and public infrastructure assistance. All tax credits are performance-based. Therefore, companies must first invest in Indiana through job creation or capital investment before incentives are paid. A company who does not meet its full projections only receives a percentage of the incentives proportional to its actual investment. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.

 
Media Contacts:
Tom Deuschle (Ascension) - 317.334.8013 or [email protected] 
Jason Effing (Bastian) - 317.467.2583 ext. 1027 or [email protected]
Andrew Clark (BlueBridge) - 317.919.0088 or [email protected]
Marcene McNamee (Classic Alumadeck) - 701.277.0525 or [email protected] 
Eric Hanshew (DuCharme, McMillen & Associates) - 317.596.3260 ext. 2525 or[email protected] 
Don Scifres (Gruuv) - 317.440.8222 or [email protected]
Courtney Klepsch (Perceivant) - 858.367.5992 or [email protected]
Ashley Elrod (Indy Chamber) - 317.464.2241 or [email protected]   
Katelyn Hancock (IEDC) - 317.234.2294 or [email protected]

Company Quotes:
"The decision to continue to meet our growing needs in Indianapolis demonstrates that the city and state of Indiana remain a highly competitive place to do business. It was only after an extensive analysis that we originally decided to locate here. As we evaluated our future location strategy nationally, Indy again rose to the top," said Lee Coulter, chief executive officer of Ascension Health Ministry Service Center.

"Easy access to a trained workforce here in Indiana has provided us with a natural nucleus for growth. We have several great vocational schools in the area along with an impressive technology curriculum at our state's universities. In Indiana, we can cut through the red tape and just run our business," said Jason Effing, general manager of Bastian Automation Engineering.  

"As Bluebridge continues to grow, we must also continue to invest in world-class talent and technology. The choice to expand operations in Indiana was an easy one to make. Here we have a booming tech sector, fantastic supporting organizations like Launch Fishers and TechPoint to aid growth and access to a wealth of great minds at Indiana's universities. I can't think of a better place to build our company and grow our clients' success," said Santiago Jaramillo, founder and chief executive officer of BlueBridge Digital.

"With increasing demand from our East Coast customers, Classic Alumadeck looked for somewhere to locate a new manufacturing facility that gave us proximity to clients and suppliers, while still locating us in a state that provides the best possible business climate for growth. We are happy to announce that we've found just that and more in Indiana. With its skilled labor force and right-to-work status, along with its low taxes that allow us to invest more into our company, we know Indiana is the perfect place to be the home of our newest facility," said Steve McNamee, chief executive officer of Classic Alumadeck. 

"Our Indianapolis operation has doubled in size during the last three years to meet the demands of our growing state and local tax compliance services. We prepare the sales/use tax and personal property tax returns of over 200 of the largest corporations in North America. We have 23 offices located throughout North America and elected to establish and grow this practice in Indianapolis. We have been an Indiana-headquartered company since 1972 and truly value the work ethic and results of our Indiana-based employees. Our Indiana-educated and Indiana-based employees provide world-class service to our Fortune 1000 client base," said Andy Oldham, executive vice president and chief operating officer of DuCharme, McMillen & Associates.

"Indiana's low-cost business climate encouraged us to make the decision to grow where so many high-tech companies are already thriving. That, combined with access to an educated workforce, made the decision for Gruuv to invest here very compelling. We appreciate the support of the state and its citizens, and the 'Hoosier hospitality' shown to us," said Adam Strobel, founder and president of Gruuv Technologies.
 
"Thanks to Indiana's low cost of doing business and tax-friendly environment, our business is able to grow quickly and compete on a national scale. We choose Indiana because it offers the largest talent pool of engineers in the nation, quickly finding and hiring these people is critical to our success," said Brian Rowe, chief executive officer of Perceivant.