Tech-Focused Companies Adding High-Wage Jobs in Hamilton County

Indy Chamber News Archives

WESTFIELD and CARMEL, Ind. (May 4, 2016) – Two companies developing new technologies in label production announced plans today to expand their operations in Hamilton County, creating 150 new high-wage jobs over the next few years and continuing a trend of tech growth in the Hoosier state.

“Indiana’s smart, creative workforce is sparking tech innovation across our state, and it’s that strong Hoosier workforce that’s driving a record number of tech companies to choose to locate in Indiana,” said Governor Mike Pence. “In fact, with the hard work of Hoosiers in the tech industry, Indiana’s witnessing a record number of tech companies growing and adding high-skill, high-wage Hoosier jobs. While burdensome taxes and regulations are imposed in other tech hubs across the nation, Indiana’s business-friendly climate continues to attract jobs and talent.”

DuraMark Technologies, a digital printer of safety labels and branding decals, will invest $3 million to construct and equip a new 17,500-square-foot headquarters facility at 6450 Southpark Drive in Westfield. With construction beginning in February and expected to be complete in August, the company’s new facility will replace its current facility in Westfield, which opened in 2008. As part of its growth, the company is increasing its footprint by 12,000 square feet and gaining additional space to produce safely labels, branding decals, instructional labels, metals plates, reflective labels and skid proof labels. In additional to printing labels directly for companies in the agriculture, construction, health care, transportation and marine industries, DuraMark also supplies companies like Toyota with label kits that can be incorporated into a manufacturing line. DuraMark uses 100 percent digital technology to create its durable labels, as opposed to standard screen printing. 

“When deciding where to build the new DuraMark Technologies headquarters, the choice to remain in Indiana was a clear one,” said BillBussick, chief executive officer of DuraMark. “Having started the company here and with its centralized location, this allows us to service all parts of the country. The Midwest values and great work ethic of the people who live here make it a great place to be.”

DuraMark currently employs 53 associates across its facilities in Westfield, Milwaukee and Redmond, Washington, including more than 30 Hoosiers. As part of its growth, the company plans to create up to 32 new jobs by 2020, with positions expected to pay wages more than 50 percent higher than the state average wage. DuraMark plans to begin hiring in May for sales, project/account managers,business analysts and administrative roles. Interested applicants may apply by sending a resume to Stacy Gudas at DuraMark Technologies’ offices at 209 E. 175th St. in Westfield.

Lumavate, a cloud-based software company that enables manufacturers to deliver a superior customer experience for their products through mobile engagement, will invest $450,950 to grow its office space over five years, leasing and equipping an additional 2,500 square feet at 550 Congressional Boulevard in Carmel. Lead by Paul McGrath and former Aprimo executives Robert McLaughlin and John Lawrence, Lumavate’s innovative product allows manufacturers to rapidly generate model specific microsites for each of their products allowing customers to quickly access critical product, parts and support information directly from their mobile device using mobile-friendly activation methods such as QR codes, text back reply and NFC. Serving a broad spectrum of manufacturers producing products ranging from industrial equipment to consumer appliances, Lumavate is expanding today due to growing demand for customer experience and mobile engagement technology.

"Why Indiana is an easy question to answer,” said Paul McGrath, president and chief executive officer of Lumavate. “Successful technology companies rely on world-class talent. We have a tremendous talent pool here in Indiana because of our world class research universities and a host of top tier colleges. Couple that with a vibrant, growing technology company landscape, and Indiana becomes an extremely attractive place to launch a technology company.”  

Lumavate currently employs 11 associates at its offices in Carmel. To support its ongoing growth, the company plans to create up to 93 new jobs by 2020, with positions expected to pay more than double the state average wage. Lumavate is currently hiring sales and marketing positions. Interested applicants may apply by visiting their web site: http://www.lumavate.com.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered DuraMark Technologies, Inc. up to $350,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. In addition, the IEDC has offered Lumavate, LLC up to $1,300,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Westfield will consider additional incentives for DuraMark, while the city of Carmel supports Lumavate’s project.

“We are thoroughly excited to see this new facility begin right here in Westfield,” said Mayor Andy Cook. “As our community continues to grow, adding these kinds of high-wage job opportunities only helps attract new residents looking for a vibrant community to call home.”

“We are thrilled at the news that another high-tech company is expanding in Carmel, “said Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard. “We have worked hard to create a city with a positive business environment and a high quality of life so that companies like Lumavate can attract a high-quality workforce and continue to expand. We look forward to watching them grow and succeed in the future.”

DuraMark and Lumavate are just two of more than 7,800 information technology companies located throughout the Indiana. According to TechPoint, Indiana’s technology initiative, Central Indiana added more than 5,000 new computer and technology jobs between 2009 and 2014, with positions paying an average annual salary of upwards of $75,000 a year. Tech jobs are growing in the region at a rate of 17 percent, which is more than double the growth rate of all occupations over thesame period.

About DuraMark Technologies

DuraMark Technologies got its start in 2007. Despite the weak economy at the time, DuraMark was able to continue producing labels and achieve high growth in the years following.

DuraMark Techonlogies has radically changed the way companies manage their durable safety, instructional and branding decals. Providing leading technologies that allow for just-in-time delivery, variable data as well as kitting are just a few of the ways DuraMark has been able to change the way industrial manufacturers label their products. 

This durability, innovation and speed of delivery has allowed DuraMark to drive production efficiencies and dramatic cost savings to its clients nationwide.

About Lumavate

Lumavate is a cloud based software provider that enables manufacturers to transform the customer experience for their products through superior mobile engagement. This allows manufacturers to increase revenue and decrease costs while building a more loyal and satisfied customer base.

About IEDC

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, focusing on helping companies grow in and locate to the state. Governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mike Pence, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, public infrastructure assistance and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.

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 Media Contacts:

Stacy Gudas (DuraMark Technologies) – 317.867.5700 or [email protected]

Jenna Meyer (Lumavate) – 317.689.8014 or [email protected]

Abby Gras (IEDC) – 317.232.8845 or [email protected]