OFS Expansion Advances to Common Council for Approval

A proposed OFS Brands expansion that could bring 20 new jobs and more than $14 million in investment to Huntingburg has cleared another major hurdle. 

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Huntingburg Economic Development Commission approved financing for the project through tax increment financing-backed economic development bonds. The board unanimously approved a project report, financing documents, and a resolution recommending the issuance of up to $4.5 million in taxable economic development bonds. The proposal now moves to the Huntingburg Common Council for final approval. 

The project will expand the OFS manufacturing campus near Plant 18 (in the Industrial Park West TIF allocation area) with two new buildings totaling 180,000 square feet. The additions include a 60,000-square-foot facility for raw material storage and preparation and a 120,000- square-foot building for assembly and staging of finished products. About $2 million in new manufacturing equipment will also be purchased as part of the project. 

OFS attorney Bill Kaiser said the expansion builds on the company's previous investment of more than $25 million in advanced manufacturing equipment at Plant 18 and is designed to increase production capacity while supporting continued growth. Kaiser said, “this is a continuing part of a long-term integration by OFS to continue to make certain its manufacturing footprint in the City of Huntingburg continues to match the changing needs of the product.” He explained the additional space will allow OFS to better support its automated production line, improve manufacturing efficiency and meet increasing demand for products (especially melamine) used in healthcare, education, public spaces and office environments. 

The expansion is expected to create approximately 20 full-time jobs over the next two years while retaining another 20 positions, with a payroll of approximately $1.5 annually. Kaiser said many of the new jobs will require specialized skills and noted the company's base pay rate now starts at $20 per hour following a probationary period. 

The project will be financed through a newly established tax increment financing allocation area created specifically for the expansion site. Earlier this month, the Huntingburg Redevelopment Commission approved pledging 90% of the area's TIF revenue toward repayment of the bonds. Officials stressed that the financing carries no financial risk for the city. OFS plans to purchase the bonds itself, meaning the company (rather than taxpayers) would absorb any shortfall if TIF revenues are lower than projected. The city will retain the remaining 10% of TIF revenue for administration of the district. 

Crowe financial advisor Angie Steeno said current projections estimate a bond issue of approximately $3.9 million, although authorization is being requested for up to $4.5 million to allow flexibility as construction costs are finalized. TIF revenue from the first phase is expected to begin in 2027, with additional revenue generated after completion of the second building. Steeno also noted that local school referendum tax revenues are not captured by TIF and will continue to flow entirely to the school corporation. The board approved the project as presented. 

During the public hearing, Mayor Neil Elkins encouraged the Commission to support the project, saying OFS continues to demonstrate its commitment to Huntingburg through significant local investment. Elkins said the expansion represents more than the addition of 20 jobs, calling it a long-term commitment that helps retain industry in the community while creating higher-paying employment opportunities. Following the public hearing, the board unanimously approved the financing documents and Resolution EDC 2026-01, forwarding the bond proposal to the Huntingburg Common Council for final consideration. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.huntingburg-in.gov


- By Drew Hasselbring