L - R Charles Maguire, Mike Romano, Mac Hubbar, Dave LeMaster, Scott Hirschman and Sean McHale.

Associated Material Handling Industries, a Raymond distributor based in Illinois, is boosting its Indiana presence with a new warehouse facility in Marion County.

The 30,000 square foot (2,787 square metre) warehouse, to be built in the Ameriplex Business Centre at 5905 Decatur Boulevard, is expected to be completed by June 2006.

At last week's groundbreaking ceremony, Associated Material Handling president Mike Romano attributed the company's success to the commitment and efforts of its employees.

"It is in recognition of their commitment and hard work that we dedicate this building to them," he said.

Company vice president David LeMaster said the company's growth had resulted in the need for a bigger facility.

"We've literally grown out of the current building and will move into the new facility, double the size of our current facility on 1230 Brookville Way," LeMaster said.

"Associated in Indiana has expanded its revenue more than 25 per cent over the past two years and shipped more than 65 per cent more Class I, II and III units in 2005 than were shipped in 2003.

"In concert with this growth, Associated has announced plans to expand our capabilities into the storage and systems markets as well. As a result, a larger facility was needed to address our recent and expected future success," he said.

Associated Material Handling, in Carol Stream, Illinois, is the headquarters of Associated-Allied, which has several branches in Indiana, Iowa and Minnesota. It is a dealer for Raymond narrow aisle forklifts, counterbalanced forklifts and walkie stackers.