Canadian Company to Relocate to Blackford County

Indiana ranks fifth on this year's list.

Family-owned recycler ShaLee Oils LLC has announced plans to move its operations from Ontario, Canada to Hartford City. The company says it will invest more than $1.2 million in the move, which will create a small number of jobs.

The company will move into a shell building on Bob Barry Drive in Blackford County that has been vacant since it was built in August 2000. Secretary of Commerce Victor Smith joined executives from ShaLee Oils on Friday for the announcement. 

"Global businesses like ShaLee Oils choose Indiana because of our state’s logistical, cost and talent advantage. As the second Canadian company just this summer to announce that it is coming to Indiana, ShaLee Oils continues this trend of relocations to the Hoosier State as our unemployment reaches its lowest point in more than seven years," Smith said. 

ShaLee Oils is a recycler of vegetable-based oils and animal fats. The company serves customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"With our customer and supply chains stretching across North America, Blackford County’s logistics and infrastructure strength played a significant role in our location decision. Indiana’s skilled labor force and superior business climate create the perfect environment for the future success and growth of our company at its new home in Hartford City," Founder of ShaLee Oils, Bill Knapp said.

ShaLee Oils is expected to start operations in the Hoosier state by January 2016. The relocation will create up to seven new jobs.  

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will provide Hartford City with up to $50,000 in infrastructure assistance.