J.W. Hicks to Expand Indiana Operations

J.W. Hicks Inc., Knox, Ind., a manufacturer of specialty refractory shapes for the primary metals industry, has announced plans to proceed with two expansion projects in Knox while continuing its existing operation in Merrillville, Ind. According to a news release, these will be the company's third and fourth expansions since the plant opened in Knox.

J.W. Hicks’ product line includes flow-control refractories, refractory precast shapes for high-temperature industrial uses and refractory lances for the treatment of both iron and steel.

The first expansion will include a 15,000-square-foot refractory recycling facility that will reclaim about 600,000 pounds of used or salvaged refractory per year.

According to J.W. Hicks, the second expansion will be a 112,000-square-foot precast shape manufacturing facility in Knox, which will make it the facility the largest facility of its kind in the United States. The total cost of this project will be $3.48 million.

To assist in the project, the city of Knox has authorized tax abatements of 10 years on the real estate expansions and of five years on the new manufacturing equipment to be located there.

Hicks also was awarded assistance by the state of Indiana with an award of both Economic Development through a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits and training assistance under the Skills Enhancement Fund with both programs being awarded by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC).