WYRZ.org 98.9 WYRZ – The Voice of Hendricks County
Chandler – Electronics Research Inc. (ERI), a service and product supplier for the television and radio broadcasting industry, announced plans today to expand its operations in southwest Indiana, creating a total of up to 102 new jobs by the end of 2017.
“As the state’s economic momentum builds, homegrown Hoosier companies like ERI continue to choose Indiana for growth,” said Governor Mike Pence. “Here in Indiana, we have a balanced budget, low-cost business climate and a skilled workforce, making Indiana a state that works for job creators. Since 2013, Indiana businesses have created 156,800 new jobs, and companies like ERI are committing to future growth, which means even more quality employment opportunities for Hoosiers.”
The company will invest $8 million to construct and equip three new buildings on its current campus at 7777 Gardner Road, which will increase its antenna manufacturing capacity by 800 percent. Together, the additions will cover 54,000 square feet, expanding ERI’s campus to a total of 241,730 square feet. The expansion will include operation areas for tuning and assembling antennas as well as employee offices and a lunch room. Construction on the facilities began in August, with plans to be operational in December.
The homegrown Hoosier company is ramping up employment quickly as part of its planned growth, which will require 102 new positions. ERI, which employed 87 Hoosiers prior to the expansion, has already added 68 new jobs. The company will continue to hire for positions in engineering, production, project management, sales and administrative support. Interested applicants should apply by mailing a resume to Debra Linberg, human resources at ERI, at the company’s office.
“Indiana is the ideal location for a company like ERI,” said Tom Silliman, president and chief executive officer of ERI. “Its geographically central location reduces transportation costs for the materials we use to manufacture our products and reduces the cost of shipping finished goods to our customers. The excellent state schools and universities provide ERI with the skilled workforce and engineering personnel required to design and produce the complex systems the company supplies to broadcasters all over the world.”
Founded in 1943, ERI serves the needs of the terrestrial radio and television broadcasters with antennas, transmission lines, radio frequency components, structural products and services. The company engages in designing, manufacturing and installing equipment for the industry in both the United States and internationally. ERI plays a significant role in providing the infrastructure that supports terrestrial mass communications, providing people with access to entertainment, news and critical emergency information.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Electronics Research Inc. up to $435,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants 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 town of Chandler approved additional incentives at the request of Success Warrick County.
“The Town of Chandler is so pleased to have ERI in our community for more than a decade,” said Tonya Wester, president of the Chandler Town Council. “They have always been good neighbors to our residents and we are very excited for their anticipated growth and the jobs it will bring to our area. The number and types of careers they are bringing to our small community will have a major impact on the local economy, as businesses and retailers across the region benefit from the expansion. The project was approved for a 10-year property tax abatement, and we look forward to supporting their plans for growth.”
The Hoosier state’s business climate ranks best in the Midwest and fifth in the nation, with 156,800 jobs added since 2013. Homegrown Hoosier companies like ERI continue to find the workforce, infrastructure and favorable business climate in Indiana that is necessary to grow their businesses.
