SGS Specialty Group expanding

Columbia City, Indiana – SGS Specialty Group, a contract manufacturer for the development of medical devices, surgical instruments and specialized cutting tools, announced plans to expand its operations, creating up to 17 new jobs by 2019.

The company, previously known as Oak View Tool Company, will invest $773,767 to equip its 9,500ft² facility at 724 Swihart St. in Columbia City. As a subsidiary of Munroe Falls, Ohio-based SGS Tool Company, the company anticipates expanding its distribution channel to include opportunities throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, and China, doubling its business within the next five years.

"Manufacturers like SGS Specialty Group provide a key gear in our Hoosier economy," said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development. "We’ve built a business climate designed for manufacturing success, from taxes that are limited to a workforce that is strong. Their success creates new jobs, but it also sparks economic growth for its customers and its community."

SGS Specialty Group, which currently employs 27 full-time Indiana associates, has already begun hiring skilled manufacturing associates with experience operating CNC grinders, lathes and mills. Interested applicants may apply in-person or by submitting a resume to info@sgsspecialtygroup.com.

"This division of our company was founded and nurtured in Indiana and this is our home," said David Eizelman, president of SGS Specialty Group. "With an outstanding workforce, a thriving community, and some of the finest education institutions – this is where we and our people will grow and prosper. With the determination of its people and an excellent business environment, Indiana is truly a state that works."

Founded in 1996, SGS Specialty Group specializes in state-of-the-art, quality cutting tools for the industrial marketplace. Maintaining ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003 certifications for medical devices, the company primarily serves the orthopedic, aerospace and industrial marketplaces. A dedicated member of its community, SGS Specialty Group offers manufacturing education for Whitley County Consolidated Schools Corporation students and serves as a member of the Regional Partnership Council at Ivy Tech Community College.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Oak View Tool Company LLC up to $175,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Columbia City approved additional incentives at the request of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation.

"SGS Specialty Group has proven to be a great employer for our community and we are excited to partner with them on this expansion," said Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel. "This development is yet another example that Columbia City and northeast Indiana provide a great environment to grow a business."

Manufacturers like SGS Specialty Tool find an ideal growth environment in Indiana. In December the state gained 4,000 private-sector jobs, including 1,600 manufacturing positions, helping Indiana add a total of 267,000 private sector jobs since July 2009, the low point of employment in the state.

Source: Indiana Economic Development Corp.