New company relocating to Franklin and expanding

A company that focuses on manufacturing automation processes is moving to Franklin and expanding.

Powder Metal Technicians is planning to relocate from its facility in Indianapolis to a new building in Franklin, bringing 15 jobs, including four new jobs and 11 existing jobs.

The company, which rebuilds powder metal machine presses, installs new electronic controls and builds robotics for automation processes, plans to invest $1.5 million in a new 14,000-square-foot building on five acres on Graham Road, which could be expanded to 30,000 square feet in the future.

Powder Metal Technicians has asked for a $40,000 grant for moving expenses from the Franklin Redevelopment Commission and a seven-year tax abatement from the Franklin Economic Development Commission. Both boards still need to approve the requests.

The jobs would pay between $18 and $25 per hour, not including benefits, which is the type of jobs Franklin needs, Mayor Steve Barnett said.

Powder Metal Technicians needs more space and higher ceilings for the work it does with presses and other machines, owner Doug Hefley said.

The company wants to continue to grow and bring in new workers and train them, including working with robotics and highly technical machines, he said. The company has been talking with Central Nine Career Center and Ivy Tech Community College on how to get students trained in the skills they need for their business, he said.

His goal is to begin construction this year and open the new facility by March, Hefley said.