KINGSBURY — An industry leader in water purification has started expanding its operations in La Porte County, and local officials are expecting it to create new jobs and help bolster the local economy.
On Nov. 17, Alexander Chemical Corporation, a part of CL Enterprises, conducted a ground-breaking ceremony for its new headquarters at the Kingsbury Industrial Park.
“This expansion, with $5.6 million allocated for real estate development and an $850,000 investment in personal property, highlights the company’s dedication to economic vitality and job creation,” La Porte County Commissioner Connie Gramarossa said at the event, which took place at the company’s current Kingsbury location.
“Together, we are shaping a thriving future for our community.”
The La Porte County Council approved a 10-year tax abatement for the corporation back in March 2022.
Functional upgrades will include a state-of-the-art security station, expanded maintenance facilities catering to the plant and its logistics arm, improved parking, and revitalized landscaping.
Alexander Chemical, which currently employs 42 individuals – not including 15 through Circle Transportation, its integrative logistics arm – expects to add six more employees in sales, leadership and maintenance positions after the expansion.
It also anticipates about 75 temporary construction jobs to be created during the building phase.
Founded in 1950, the Alexander Chemical supplies industrial gases and chlor-alkali products to major chemical and petroleum companies, pharmaceutical firms, industrial users, and municipalities throughout the Midwest. It’s also an industry leading supplier of industrial gases to businesses in the pulp paper, steel and agricultural industries.
According to company officials, the reconstruction project represents a “robust investment that not only underscores the commitment to bolstering the local economy, but also aims to create new local job opportunities” in sales, leadership, maintenance and construction.
Rob Davidson, president of Alexander Chemical, said the project will also focus on sustainability and functionality.
“We are very excited about the next chapter in the development of the Alexander Chemical campus. This new headquarters facility will give our team the much-needed room for collaboration, innovation and growth of our facility and brand,” he said.
“We strive to be the employer of choice in our area, driving personal growth of our employees and a family culture. This facility will help us attract the great talent we will need to fuel our explosive growth along with creating a beautiful work environment for our teams to flourish,” Davidson said.
“This is a great day for Alexander Chemical.”
The project blueprint emphasizes a sustainable and collaborative space, featuring 18 offices, multiple meeting rooms, a spacious training area, and enhanced file storage facilities. Construction will be facilitated by Larson Danielson Construction of La Porte.
The facility’s design was handled by Dirk Lohan, principal architect of Lohan Architecture, who has been recognized for his work on Chicago’s Soldier Field renovation.
The facility, as it currently stands, is an old munitions factory.
According to officials, the project represents a culmination of work that began in 2019, when the county began working on connecting underserved areas with high speed internet. After broadband was provided to KIP, Alexander Chemical became a global competitor, which made the expansion possible.
“This sends a clear message to larger regions and cities that we are a formidable contender for significant corporate developments, showcasing the strength and assets of La Porte County,” La Porte County Councilman Randy Novak said at the event.