$2 Million of Investment in New Tech Capabilities and a Strong Business Case Earned Hammond Machine Works a Manufacturing Readiness Grant

Rockablock, LLC designs and produces a collection of branded apparel and accessories that highlights the richness and depth of Black culture. They are purchasing an automatic screen press with image alignment capabilities and large format conveyor dryer to handle increased product demand.

American Bar Products Inc. is a cold rolling steel mill that manufactures cold finished flat bar steel products serving agricultural, military, mining, off-road and other markets throughout North America. The company has developed a proprietary process for cold rolling that achieves tighter-than-industry-specification tolerances and a step-change in higher productivity.  They plan to invest in the design and build of a custom and proprietary production line.  

Hobart Locker and Meat Packing is a meat processing facility serving regional livestock producers. The company is investing in automated equipment for processing and packaging hamburger meat and sausage.

Hammond Machine Works Inc. is a machine shop that manufacturers rail car parts and products across various industries. The firm is undertaking a major expansion with a new facility that will include a fiber optic laser to enhance production capabilities and reduce outsourcing to third party contractors.

FiberX Incorporated is a bioindustrial chemical company transforming corn stover via proprietary technology developed at Purdue University to produce sustainable replacement phenol resin products for industrial markets, eliminating the use of petroleum as a feedstock and the use of dangerous formaldehyde. FiberX has also developed mechanical means to process corn stover as a feedstock for biocomposite plastics. The firm plans to invest in automation and process equipment to scale production.

Tradebe Environmental Services LLC is an international operation that provides waste management, treatment and recycling services through multiple U.S.-based facilities.

Economy Signs is a full-service commercial sign shop that fabricates and installs signage for individuals, businesses and churches.