Following the remarks, the speakers participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Sullair held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Oct. 4 following the announcement of a $30 million capital investment to expand its North American operations and headquarters campus in Michigan City, Ind.

Remarks heralding the significance of the project were given by Masakazu "Mike" Aoki, Hitachi executive vice president and Sullair chairman; Jack Carlson, president and CEO of Sullair; Luke Bosso, senior operations director at office of Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb; and Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer.

"In our nearly 55 years of business, this $30-million-dollar investment is one of our largest — if not the largest — on record," said Carlson. "Many call LaPorte County one of the ‘compressor capitals of the world.' We are confident this investment helps ensure LaPorte County maintains this reputation for generations to come."

"This day demonstrates Sullair and Hitachi are putting down even deeper roots in Michigan City," said Meer. "We thank Sullair and Hitachi for providing 500-plus jobs to our community, on top of adding another 30-40 high paying jobs with competitive benefits and opportunities for progression upon completion of this project."

Following the remarks, the speakers participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking that also included Clarence Hulse, executive director, Economic Development Corporation Michigan City; Katie Eaton, president, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce; Larry Ballah, architect, Tonn and Blank; Pat Boy, Indiana State Representative, District 9; Don Przybylinski, president, Michigan City Council; Charlie Takeuchi, COO and executive vice president, Sullair; Mike Guido, CFO, Sullair; Henry Tanaka, senior vice president, Global Operations and Product, Sullair; Chad McKeever, senior director of operations, Sullair; George Oudhuis, team lead, Sullair; and Ben Oudhuis, manufacturing engineer, Sullair.

Dozens of dignitaries from city, county and state organizations joined to celebrate this significant moment in Sullair history.

The expansion project includes the construction of a new 80,000-square-foot manufacturing building, a canopied storage building and an additional parking lot for employees. The project also will reconfigure and optimize portions of the existing, primary 280,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility on the campus.

Construction will create nearly 80 construction jobs with Tonn and Blank Construction. The project also will create more than 30 full-time jobs with Sullair.

Sullair held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Oct. 4 following the announcement of a $30 million capital investment to expand its North American operations and headquarters campus in Michigan City, Ind.

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