Poly Electronics investing $1.1M in new production line, adding jobs in Elkhart
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Elkhart-based Poly Electronics is doubling down on its commitment to advanced manufacturing with a $1.1 million investment in a second Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly line. The move is expected to significantly boost production capacity and create up to a dozen new jobs in Elkhart.
Slated to be operational by Aug. 1, the new line will feature high-speed equipment that the company says will more than double its ability to place electronic components on circuit boards. The investment is aimed at speeding up delivery times, improving quality and supporting growth across industries.
“This investment places Poly Electronics at the forefront of Indiana’s electronics manufacturing sector,” said President Matt Kain. “We are strengthening northern Indiana’s reputation as a destination for high-tech manufacturing and technology jobs.”
Currently employing about 45 full-time staff at its Elkhart facility, the company expects to add eight to 12 high-skill jobs over the next 18 months in machine operation, engineering, quality control and maintenance. There would also be learning opportunities for students.
“We’re not just adding equipment, we’re building capacity for future growth, and that starts with people,” Kain said. “We’re committed to offering internships, apprenticeships and on-the-job training to equip local students and workers with the tools for careers in advanced electronics manufacturing.”
While the latest investment was made without direct state or local incentives, Kain noted that Poly Electronics has previously received matching grants from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. through its Manufacturing Readiness Grant program.
“That support helped us adopt advanced inspection and automation technologies earlier than we might have otherwise,” he said. “In the last four years, we were awarded a $40,000 and a $200,000 matching grant for different automation investments.”
With the new SMT line, the company projects that production lead times will fall from 12 weeks to as little as 4 weeks by the end of the year. Kain said this will allow Poly Electronics to compete for customers who demand quick turnaround and high-quality results.
“The new line enables us to serve more product types and volumes, pursue new business in high-growth sectors and expand into markets that require rapid prototyping and precision,” Kain said. “We anticipate significant revenue growth as a result, with the ability to support both existing and new customers more effectively.”
In addition to added capacity, the company is focusing on precision and consistency, leveraging artificial intelligence and 3D inspection systems to reduce defects and improve traceability.
To measure the return on its investment, Poly Electronics is monitoring key metrics including equipment performance, quality outcomes, throughput, customer satisfaction and revenue growth.
“We see this as part of a broader effort to strengthen Elkhart’s position as a hub for innovation-driven manufacturing,” he said. “By creating high-wage jobs and training opportunities, we’re contributing to the region’s long-term economic resilience.”