US-based Uesco Industries has commenced construction of a $25m headquarters and manufacturing facility in Hammond, Indiana, marking its departure from Illinois after more than a century in the state.
The overhead crane manufacturer, which has operated out of Alsip, Illinois, is relocating its headquarters and the majority of its manufacturing activities to a newly established 72,000ft2 site at 5009 Calumet Avenue, near the Grand Calumet River.
The move is projected to result in the creation of 100 permanent office and manufacturing jobs described as “high-paying”.
Founded in Chicago in 1921 and relocated to Alsip in 1978, Uesco Industries supplies overhead cranes to automotive and steel manufacturers, as well as other industrial customers. The company is led by President Ryan Marks.
According to Marks, Uesco Industries will close two of its three existing manufacturing plants, both located in Alsip, and will consolidate production operations at the Hammond site. The company’s Calumet City plant will remain operational.
The City of Hammond is contributing to the move by transferring a sewer maintenance building to Uesco Industries, after relocating city staff from the premises.
The existing structure, which Hammond Economic Development director Juan Moreno described as “long underutilised”, will be demolished to make way for the new facility.
The developer, 219 Development Services, is handling the construction of the new headquarters and manufacturing plant.
The company has previously facilitated similar industrial projects in North Lake County, including the relocation of Meats by Linz to Hammond from Calumet City.
The Hammond plant is expected to open next year and will produce overhead cranes and material-handling solutions for regional and national clients.
Financing for the project is being provided by Fifth Third Bank.
The development has qualified for federal tax credits as it is located within an Opportunity Zone, a programme designed to encourage investment in areas facing economic challenges.
The construction phase is anticipated to generate several hundred jobs.
Recently, Uesco Industries announced the successful installation of a 15t top-running single-girder overhead crane at a facility in Mobile, Alabama.
