Groundbreaking held at Huntington Ecolab plant

Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, has started construction to expand its operations in Huntington to increase production of hand soaps and sanitizers.

Ecolab is installing new equipment at its 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 970 E. Tipton Street, and increasing warehouse space at its 132,000-square-foot distribution center at 68 Commercial Road. The company expects to complete this work in early 2022.

“We seek to fully utilize our operational capacity, and this expansion will help ensure our ability to meet current and future demand,” said Tom Atterholt, manager of Ecolab’s Huntington plant. “We’re excited about growing in Huntington and appreciate the support we’ve received from the City of Huntington, Huntington County Commissioners, the Huntington County Economic Development Corporation and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, to help make this expansion possible.”

Ecolab employs more than 100 associates across its two locations in Huntington, and the expansion will create up to 24 new jobs by the end of 2022. The company is hiring for positions within supply chain, production, distribution and R&D. Applicants may apply online.

Ecolab acquired Huntington Laboratories in 1996, which was founded in 1919 as Huntington Chemical Company. Ecolab’s Huntington operations produce soaps and sanitizers for use in healthcare facilities, supermarkets, restaurants and other locations.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Ecolab up to $160,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. The City of Huntington and the Huntington County Commissioners jointly offered a grant of $350,000 in additional incentives at the request of the Huntington County Economic Development Corporation.

Shown in the photo, from left, are Mark Wickersham, executive director, Huntington County Economic Development; Mary Martin, regional director, Sen. Mike Braun’s office; Mayor Richard Strick; Sharon Rupple, VP, supply chain global specialty, Ecolab; Tom Atterholt, plant manager, Ecolab; Terry Miller, County Council, At-Large and Charles Chapman, City Council, 1^st District.