The Economic Development Perspective

Marshall County Economic
Development Corporation
Get to Know Marshall County Businesses - Digger Specialties, Inc.

Corporate Headquarters: Bremen, IN
Company Established: 1984
Industrial Sector: Building Products
Primary Product: Aluminum and Vinyl Fencing and Railing
Number of Employees: 240
 
Digger Specialties, Inc. (DSI) started as a small business in the home and is now one of the largest employers in Bremen, serving a national customer base. DSI fabricates vinyl and aluminum extrusions into fence and railing products and is known for its aluminum powder-coating operation. The quality and service they build into all products, including their superior aluminum powder coated products and wide array of vinyl product offerings, sets them apart from competitors.
 
DSI began in Bremen in 1984 and over the years has developed a strong partnership with the Town of Bremen and Marshall County because of their business-friendly practices. Besides a community that is easy to work with, the other big advantage of being located in Marshall County is the workforce. Bremen and Marshall County residents are well-regarded for their strong work ethic. This helps make for a successful business operation such as DSI.
 
The company has also experienced considerable growth and has expanded to 4 other locations including Missouri, Georgia, and 2 plants in North Carolina. DSI is preparing to open a second powder coating operation in Carthage, Missouri in 2019. DSI plans to continue growing in the future, especially in Bremen, their home and headquarters. According to Chad Weldy, Vice President of Operations, " God has blessed DSI beyond belief quite honestly. We pray that we're good stewards and that we can continue to pour back into Marshall County."
Marshall County Stellar Plan Provides Path for Future Success

After 7 months of planning, 15 steering committee meetings, and 2 public workshops each with 100 attendees, Marshall County has completed the final step in the Stellar Designation application process. On November 15th, a group of 22 steering committee members presented the final plan to the Stellar selection committee in Indianapolis. The plan consists of 16 Stellar projects and 13 Stellar complimentary projects that will grow the population, improve quality of place, and serve as a model for county-level regional planning.
 
Stellar Community Engagement
The plan is based on community engagement, including over 700 survey responses, a Facebook page reaching 21,574 users, and 15 email messages sent to 1,800 residents. Marshall County's Stellar projects are estimated at just over a $35 million capital expenditure with a projected $156 million return on investment. These projects include:
  • Project
  • Argos Sidewalks
  • Argos Trails
  • Argos Colonial Estates Phase 2
  • Bourbon Commercial Development
  • Bourbon Cedar Rd Housing Phase 1
  • Bremen Pool Facility
  • Bremen Downtown Gathering Space
  • Culver Lake Max Trail Phase 3
  • Plymouth E-Hub Firehouse Restoration
  • Plymouth Rees Theater
  • Marshall County Workforce Recruitment
  • Marshall County Branding/Marketing
  • Marshall County Owner-Occupied Housing Rehab
  • Community Health Projects
Total Cost
$200,000
$800,000
$2,860,000
$2,750,000
$19,095,000
$2,500,000
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$3,500,000
$500,000
$100,000
$250,000
$37,500 
Planning Expected to Pay off in Stellar
The Stellar application planning process officially began when Marshall County was named a finalist in April 2018. However, Marshall County's strong history of collaboration started much earlier than that. Almost 6 years ago, the community began coming together to solve problems and create more connected communities with quarterly County Development for the Future meetings. Marshall County also invested 3.5 years of planning in the Regional Cities Initiative, bringing $42 million in funding to the region and $5.8 million to Marshall County. This spirit of collaboration continued through 2 years of planning that lead to Culver's Stellar designation.
 
Well Deserved Thank You
The collaboration demonstrated by the Marshall County Stellar steering committee is a continuation of this history. Stellar designees will be announced on December 10th. Thanks go out to the group that presented in Indianapolis including:
  • Kevin Overmyer
  • Judy Stone
  • Ginny Munroe
  • Mayor Mark Senter
  • Suzanne Umbaugh
  • Les McFarland
  • Roger Ecker
  • Jon VanDerWeele
  • Matt VanSoest
  • Marty Oosterbaan
  • Bryan Howard
  • Jonathan Leist
  • Sean Surrisi
  • Allie Shook
  • Linda Yoder
  • Daniel Franz
  • Jerry Chavez
  • Nancy Tyree
  • Ty Adley
  • Consultants:
    • Troyer Group, Mike Reese
    • MACOG, James Turnwald
    • MACOG, Zach Dripps
    • MACOG, Donny Ritsema
    • Big Idea, Lou Pierce
"Connecting - Collaborating - Creating" Vision for the Future 
Marshall County's Stellar presentation kicked off with something special-a promotional video highlighting what makes our community "Stellar." The short film was created by Big Idea Company. This full-service marketing agency has demonstrated success in Marshall County through their work on our Regional Cities application and promotional videos for Argos, Culver, and Bourbon. The video showcases how every city and town in Marshall County works together to better our community. It's easy to see how Marshall County has come together under the shared goals of connecting, collaborating, and creating to build a better future. Don't take our word for it, see for yourself: Marshall County Crossroads Stellar 
Plymouth Secures Business Investment

Bomarko, Inc., a global leader in the flexible packaging products industry will be investing $5 million to expand their business in Plymouth. This plan is expected to solidify their presence in the community for many years to come due to the amount invested and their strategic long-range business plan. The capital investment will include an estimated $2 million for a 20,000 square foot building addition and $3 million to purchase a new printing press. The building addition will accommodate current investment and entice others to the community. Bomarko was founded in Plymouth in 1963. Since then, the company has grown to serve the confectionery business, food processing industry, and medical community. Bomarko currently employs 120 people with an average wage of $27 per hour and a 31% benefit package; this expansion will create 20 jobs and increase production.
Business Outlook Positive for American Containers Expansion

Another business headquartered in Plymouth, American Containers, Inc. has just announced their third expansion in 4 years. The company plans to invest nearly $1.2 million in equipment to improve production capabilities and maintain their position as a valued Plymouth manufacturer. American Containers is a family owned and operated business, and a leader in the corrugated packaging industry. This expansion follows an over $500,000 capital investment towards new equipment and building improvements in 2017. The most recent expansion will increase efficiency and profits to aid in the retention of 61 current employees and facilitate the creation of 2 new full-time positions.
Plymouth Supports Early Childhood Learning Center 

Plymouth and Marshall County have reached an important milestone in a project that will address community needs, attract families, and improve the local economy. On October 22nd, the Plymouth Common Council approved a tax abatement for Marshall County Life Center, Inc. which will support the Early Childhood Learning Center. The city's support in the form of a tax abatement is significant because it represents the project's only public funds. Construction is well underway with the floor poured, walls erected, and the roof installed. The Early Childhood Learning Center is expected to be completed by March 2019.
Aquatic Center on Schedule to Finish Construction in 2019 

Right next door, work on the Aquatic Center is also proceeding according to schedule. The elevator is in place with exterior walls being constructed. Work on the Aquatic Center is expected to conclude before the start of the 2019-2020 school year.
Youth Engagement Grows through Marshall County Manufacturing Day

Marshall County's Workforce Development - Student Engagement Program is blossoming across the county as schools begin to understand the importance of youth engagement and industry awareness. On October 10th and 11th 900 students from 4 high schools participated in Manufacturing Day. This is a nation-wide event where businesses open their doors to showcase their businesses and foster interest in manufacturing careers. This is the 4th year that Marshall County has celebrated Manufacturing Day.
 
Argos and Culver High Schools:
2018 marks the first year that students from Argos and Culver have taken part. Just over 60 freshmen from Argos Jr./Sr. High School visited Mobile Tech Trailers and ITAMCO, and 70 students from Culver Community Middle/High School toured ITAMCO, Pretzels Inc., and Mobile Tech Trailers.
 
Plymouth High School:
Plymouth has grown the number of participating businesses from 8 last year to 11 this year. Approximately 280 Plymouth High School freshmen visited Hoosier Racing Tire, WestRock, Pretzels Inc., Pregis Innovative Packaging, CTE Solutions, Homestead Dairy, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, A.K. Industries, Miller's Merry Manor, Valmont Industries, and ITAMCO.
 
Bremen High School:
This year, Bremen expanded programing to involve students at every grade level. Around 490 Bremen High School students toured Southwire, Nisco, Bremen Castings Inc., Indiana Carton Company Inc., Universal Bearings, Precision Painting & Interiors, Better Way Products, and Digger Specialties Inc.
 
We would like to thank all participating schools and businesses for partnering with us and engaging the youth through Manufacturing Day to build our future workforce.
Marshall County Supports Addiction Recovery with David's Courage 

Thanks to a partnership with Marshall County, a non-profit whose vision is to change countless lives has found its home in Plymouth. David's Courage, the first drug and alcohol transitional home in Marshall County, will soon open at the former Shady Rest Home on Lincoln Highway in Plymouth. Marshall County Commissioners deeded the building to David's Courage earlier this year. The Marshall County Community Foundation and United Way of Marshall County have also provided financial and fundraising support for this innovative project. David's Courage was proudly included as a complementary project in Marshall County's Stellar application as a result of its ability to have a lasting impact on the entire county. David's Courage will open its doors in early 2019, helping all Marshall County residents get the help they need, reenter the workforce, and become productive citizens.
Progress Across Marshall County

Governor Holcomb Invests in Growth Plan 
Roadways and easy transportation routes are the key to community growth and successful economic development activities. A recent announcement has ensured that strong transportation networks will become a reality for the Town of Argos. Governor Holcomb revealed that a long-awaited interchange will be developed at the intersection of US Hwy 31 and SR 10 in Argos. The Argos community has collaborated widely to secure this interchange, earning support from local and state leadership. Improvements along US Hwy 31 are a component of Argos' recently adopted Comprehensive Plan. The interchange will have a positive influence on the local economy, as well as the safety and mobility of residents and visitors. In conjunction with the recently developed Argos Manufacturing Center, this interchange also will make Argos a more attractive location for business expansion.
 
REES Theatre Meets Regional Cities Milestone
The iconic REES Theatre in downtown Plymouth has raised $1.5 million just in time to meet the deadline to receive Regional Cities Initiative (RCI) funds. RCI will now provide $300,000 in funding to the project, allowing interior renovations to begin soon. The new building will serve as a multi-use venue for the performing arts, educational programing, and the celebration of life events. It will help revitalize downtown Plymouth by improving quality of place and increasing commercial activity. Thanks to community support and RCI funding, the REES Theatre is now in an excellent position to continue fundraising and reopen in time for its 80th anniversary in 2020.
Invest in Marshall County
 
The Marshall County EDC would like to say thank you for supporting the "Invest in Marshall County" campaign. The private/public partnership was launched in 2015 to increase private sector support for economic development.
 
New investors contributing funds to the campaign and partnering with MCEDC include:
  • First Federal Savings Bank - Bremen
  • Bona Vita Architecture, Inc.
  • Kil Architecture Planning
  • Mr. James N. Clevenger
  • Comfort Suites, Plymouth
  • Comcast Business Services
  • Rees Theatre Inc. - non-cash exchange
Returning investors include:
  • Saint Joseph Health System
  • Gibson Foundation, Inc.
  • CenturyLink
  • Majority Builders, Inc.
  • Pretzels, Inc.
Thank you, together we will strengthen and grow Marshall County's economy.
MCEDC | mail@marshallcountyedc.org | 574-935-8499 | www.marshallcountyedc.org
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