Micropulse to Expand Operations in Indiana

Micropulse Inc., a device manufacturer for the orthopedic and cardiovascular industries, has announced plans to expand its operations in Columbia City, Ind., which is hoped to creating up to 100 new jobs by 2016.

“From pharmaceutical to orthopedic leaders, Indiana’s sound fiscal policies, low-tax structure and talented workforce continue to be a catalyst of growth and success for life sciences companies like Micropulse,” said Indiana Governor Mike Pence. “Indiana has developed a comprehensive formula of business-friendly and entrepreneur-friendly remedies that give companies in this sector a competitive edge and are further testament to the state’s reputation as the orthopedics capital of the world.”

The homegrown-Hoosier company develops and manufactures orthopedic instruments, implants and sterilization cases and trays, as well as incubates orthopedic startup companies in-house. The company will invest $14.3 million to equip and renovate its current 100,000 square-foot facility in two phases through 2017. The project’s first phase, which includes equipment installation, is expected to be complete by late next year.

Phase two of the project is planned to start in 2015, including a 60,000 square foot facility expansion and some renovation. This expansion will house additional offices and precision machines and will accommodate growth of its core contract manufacturing business and continued support of the startup incubator Orthovation Center.

“We are growing in Indiana for a number of reasons including our talented people, a tremendous infrastructure of suppliers, customers and the availability of future skilled workers,” said Brian Emerick, founder and president of Micropulse. “Indiana continues to lead the nation, encouraging companies like Micropulse to grow through numerous pro-business initiatives and low tax rates.”

Emerick founded Micropulse in his garage in 1988, and the company now employs 240 full time Indianans.

“We are pleased to support Micropulse’s expansion in Whitley County and commend company owner Brian Emerick for his ongoing commitment to our community,” said Whitley County Commissioner George Schrumpf. “We greatly appreciate how involved the Micropulse team is in local and regional community and economic development efforts.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Micropulse up to $700,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Whitley County approved additional tax abatement at the request of Whitley County Economic Development Corporation.

Micropulse joins nearly 2,000 life science companies across Indiana, together making a $50 billion overall impact on the state’s economy. The Hoosier State ranks third highest in the nation for life science exports, with life science exports totaling $9.3 billion.