Building Technologies Provider Growing in Central Indiana

Indy Chamber News Archives

INDIANAPOLIS (May 22, 2014) - Open Control Systems (OCS), LLC, a building automation controls provider, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 25 new jobs by 2016. 

The homegrown-Hoosier company will invest $1.6 million to lease, renovate and equip a combined 14,000 square-feet of space spanning over two facilities located at 905 N. Capitol Ave. in Indianapolis. As part of the expansion, OCS renovated a 12,000 square-foot former warehouse facility, which is fully equipped with automation controls and mechanical equipment to showcase its capabilities.

"With this week's BlueIndy announcement and our continued sustainability program, the growth of OCS highlights the tremendous growth potential in Indy for companies on the cutting edge of modern technology," said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. "The LEED buildings and high-paying skilled jobs that OCS plans to create is a welcome addition to Indy's business landscape."

"From the dashboard in your car and the engine in an airplane to the information cloud on your phone and the security system at the office, companies representing industries far and wide find a home in Indiana," said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "Indiana's business-friendly climate and skilled workforce, coupled with its central location at the Crossroads of America, provide a platform for companies like OCS to grow and thrive."

OCS has already begun hiring programming, engineering sales, design engineering and administrative positions. Interested candidates may apply by emailing [email protected].

"Choosing Indiana to expand our operations was an easy choice, as this state has always provided the environment we needed to grow and to succeed. Additionally, the talent pool in Indiana is rich due to several institutions with quality technical degree programs," said Travis Ihnen, president of OCS. "With the growing demand for our services, the facility expansion couldn't have come at a better time. The building is not only a showcase for our products and capabilities, but also serves as a training facility and meeting space for our partners and customers. Its proximity to downtown, the Cultural Trail and major highways make it especially attractive for potential employees as well!"

Founded in 2004, OCS provides buildings with fully integrated automation technology systems to support the utility spend and safety needs of facility operations. These systems include utility management software, security technologies, audio/visual integrations, fire alarm systems and HVAC controls. The company works closely with architectural and engineering firms, construction companies and building owners and operators to serve commercial and industrial facilities.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Open Control Systems, LLC up to $205,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $67,500 in training grants 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 approved additional tax abatement at the request of Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber.

"OCS's redevelopment of this key downtown area is one of the many positives coming out of today's announcement," said Vice President of Indianapolis Economic Development for the Indy Chamber. "Coupled with their focus on sustainability, OCS's decision to grow in Indy is a great win."

The expansion of OCS comes less than a week after Indiana announced its unemployment rate dropping for the ninth straight month in a row, recorded at 5.7 percent unemployment in April. Over the past year, the Hoosier State has led the nation in manufacturing job growth, adding more than 13,400 jobs, ranking it 6th in the nation for rate of growth over the past year.

About OCS
Open Control Systems provides utility and energy management, critical environment control, and building safety and security technologies. The company focuses on client services, and places priority on operational improvement and technology enhancement throughout the life cycle of a facility. OCS designed solutions place special emphasis on sustainability and environmental balance, which requires creativity and an open minded approach for each new project.

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.

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Media Contacts:
Travis Ihnen (OCS) - 317.403.2340 or [email protected]
Molly Deuberry (Indy Chamber) 317.442.1757 or [email protected]
Katelyn Hancock (IEDC) - 317.234.2294 or [email protected]