JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind., April 29, 2014 — One Southern Indiana (1si) and the City of Jeffersonville announce today the plan by the Brinly-Hardy Co. to expand its operations in Southern Indiana.

Brinly-Hardy, founded in 1839, designs, builds and distributes a range of lawn and garden equipment. Through the coordination of 1si, Brinly-Hardy officials will appear before the Jeffersonville Redevelopment Commission today at noon in Jeffersonville City Hall, which will determine their eligibility to request local tax incentives at a City Council meeting on May 5, 2014.

Upon the approval of tax abatement by the Jeffersonville City Council, Brinly-Hardy could potentially invest $1,500,000 to improve its existing 240,000 square-foot facility and $3,525,000 to equip that facility. Should the project move forward, the company also looks to hire up to 44 new employees by 2015, to complement its current team, accounting for an estimated $2.1 million in additional annual payroll.   

“We’ve been so happy with our site here in Southern Indiana. We purchased the land and building in 2000 with plans to expand. Now is the time for us to do that. We are thrilled our growth demands it, especially in our 175th year of business,” said Jane Hardy, Brinly-Hardy CEO.

“I’m always happy to learn a good local employer feels the time is right to expand and strengthen its existing commitment to Jeffersonville,” said city of Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore. “The decision by Brinly-Hardy to hire additional employees is exciting news for our community and bodes well for the future. I wish this company and all those who work there continued success.”

“I am so happy that Brinly-Hardy is seeking to expand its production and workforce,” said Wendy Dant Chesser, 1si president and CEO. “Ensuring that existing businesses in Clark and Floyd counties thrive and grow is at the heart of our business retention and expansion efforts at 1si. We are a better community when a company with a long and successful history here determines its future lies in additional investment and commitment to its current facility and employees.”

About One Southern Indiana

One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization serving Clark and Floyd Counties. 1si’s mission is to provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the southern Indiana/Louisville metro area. 

Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; economic development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. 

About Brinly-Hardy

Founded in 1839, Brinly-Hardy designs, builds and distributes lawn and garden equipment, from lawn aerators and dethatcher tractor attachments to utility carts and garden plows. A certified women’s business enterprise, the company serves residential homeowners and the light-duty commercial lawn specialists across the nation through distributors, regional chain stores and large home improvement centers.