Concrete Company to Build New Carlisle Plant

(photo courtesy Smith Ready Mix)

Valparaiso-based Smith Ready Mix is planning a new concrete batch plant in St. Joseph County. The South Bend Tribune reports the company will invest $2 million to build the facility in an industrial area being developed by the county near New Carlisle. The plant is expected to open this summer and create 15 jobs.

Douglas Smith, president of Smith Ready Mix tells the publication they chose the area to build the facility because it is a "potentially robust market for the future." He says the location also helps the company with the perishable nature of concrete. 

"St. Joseph County and (St. Joseph County Office of Economic Development Executive Director) Bill Schalliol are trying hard to bring lots of projects to that area, and we’re confident there will be a significant workload there," Smith told the Tribune. "It also allows us to reach the western side of South Bend, and it’s a market we can’t reach from our existing locations."

In March, the St. Joseph County Council changed the zoning of the property from agricultural to manufacturing in order to accommodate Smith Ready Mix’s plans. The company also has plants in Valparaiso, East Chicago, Cedar Lake, Schererville, Chesterton, Westville and DeMotte.