An artist's impression of the development

Hoist Liftruck Mfg., Inc., a manufacturer of high-capacity materials handling equipment, has announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations into Indiana, creating hundreds of new jobs by 2022.

Hoist will make a multi-million dollar investment to purchase, renovate and equip an approximately 550,000 sqft. (51,000 Sqm) building on Railroad Ave. in East Chicago, expanding its manufacturing operations from Bedford Park, Illinois.

Originally designed for Blaw-Knox to manufacture M-60 Patton tanks for the US Army, the facility has been vacant for more than 10 years.

The new site will allow the company to expand its production to accommodate a significant increase of new unit orders that have resulted from several strategic contracts won by Hoist.

The company, which currently employs more than 300 staff, expects to close on the property late this summer.

The expansion will allow Hoist Liftruck to create additional new jobs in Indiana in the coming years.

"Our East Chicago expansion represents a significant investment in Hoist Liftruck in order for us to meet our growing demand," says Marty Flaska, president and CEO of Hoist Liftruck. "We are excited to partner with East Chicago, IEDC and the state of Indiana on this project that will be integral to our growth."

Hoist has experienced an influx of activity and business over the past few years, he adds, and the company has grown to include regional distribution centres and locations in Houston, Phoenix and Fort Myers, Florida., with additional locations currently being explored.

"I began Forklift Exchange more than 35 years ago here in the Chicago area and Hoist Liftruck a few years later," says Flaska. "We're excited to be able to maintain a presence at our current location in Bedford Park, while expanding and enhancing our operations in Northwest Indiana."