Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Greene County officials joined executives of Integrity Defense Services Inc. (IDSI), an Indiana certified small business and defense contractor, as the company announced plans to establish and grow its operations in southwest Indiana, creating more than 100 new, high-wage jobs over the next few years.
"Small businesses like IDSI drive our state's economy forward and create good careers for Hoosiers," Gov. Holcomb said. "Our low cost of doing business, skilled workforce and countless defense assets make Indiana the perfect place to launch the company's first facility and deliver critical services to our nation's military. We look forward to witnessing IDSI's continued growth and success in Greene County."
The company, which was founded in 2017 to provide services to defense organizations like Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division, is investing more than $1 million to establish a physical presence in Indiana, leasing and equipping a 40,000-square-foot campus at 1463 S. State Road 45 in Springville. The state-of-the-art, 10-acre complex encompasses five buildings, each with a range of advanced operations for military systems including fabrication, assembly, paint and electronics capabilities.
IDSI is growing to meet demand for its military support services, including a five-year contract that was recently awarded to fabricate fuel-stand equipment for the U.S. Marine Corps. The company plans to add 160 new jobs by the end of 2022 to support its growth and has already hired eight associates toward its goal, now employing 15 full-time employees. The company plans to double its workforce to 30 over the next year with new positions expected to offer average salaries more than double the Greene County average wage and nearly 40 percent higher than the state’s average wage. Interested applicants may learn more about IDSI's career opportunities online.
"I was born and raised in Greene County and have lived here most of my life," said David Burkett, chief executive officer of IDSI. "By building IDSI, we are making a long-term commitment to our community and to Indiana. We are proud to support NSWC Crane’s Navy, Marine Corps, Army and other critical needs, while advancing Indiana's defense industry and creating high-wage job opportunities for Hoosiers."
The company's facility is certified by the Small Business Administration as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone), which is a program helping small businesses compete for and win government contracts. Additionally, HUBZone certification requires at least 35 percent of the company's employees to live within the designated zone, but IDSI plans to exceed this requirement by hiring nearly 50 percent from within Greene County.
“Today’s news is a major step forward that will have a lasting positive impact on Greene County and all of southwest Indiana,” said Greene County Commissioner Ed Michael. “We’re thrilled IDSI chose to locate in our county, and look forward to witnessing their continued success in Indiana as they provide critical services for the defense industry with the help of our talented workforce."
Founded by Burkett, IDSI offers a one-stop shop of services for NSWC Crane, the U.S. military and other defense contractors, including the fabrication and refurbishment of critical components used in Surface Navy Air Radar Systems and military vehicles. The company also performs maintenance and repair on advanced military systems, and provides customized build-to-print harness and electronic cables.
In 2017, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered IDSI up to $1.8 million in conditional tax credits and $100,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Radius Indiana also offered training services support.
IDSI received assistance from the Indiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), which is committed to helping Indiana small businesses compete for and win federal, state and local contracts. In partnership with the IEDC, Indiana PTAC offers free, one-on-one counseling, resources and training for its clients. So far in 2018, Indiana PTAC counselors have registered 257 new clients and helped secure more than $50 million in contracts that will allow businesses to grow and create new jobs for Hoosiers.
About Integrity Defense Services
Integrity Defense Services, Inc is a certified small business that supports NSWC Crane and the U.S. military as a defense contractor located in Springville, IN. The company offers a wide range of capabilities, including the machining of critical components; build to print electrical cables, components, and testing; mechanical assembly, composite refurbishment, and an expertise in the coating of military vehicles and components.
About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.