PORTAGE, Ind. – Green Sense Farms, LLC announced plans today to expand their operations in northwest Indiana.
“Growing companies like Green Sense Farms know that when they need a state that works, they look to Indiana,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Key business strengths, such as an affordable business climate, targeted workforce training and a central Midwest location, allow companies to get more done here, creating new jobs and nurturing our Hoosier economy.”
Green Sense Farms, a homegrown-Hoosier company that operates a commercial indoor vertical farm, will invest $2.14 million to renovate and equip a 30,000 square-foot facility at AmeriPlex at the Port in Portage, which will be fully operational this month. The company, which grows lettuce, leafy greens and herbs in a pesticide-free environment, operates 14 growing towers that are 25 feet tall in two climate-controlled grow rooms with energy efficient Philips LED growing lights. Serving clients including Whole Foods throughout five states, the company plans to create up to 20 new jobs by 2015.
“We chose Portage for our first farm because of the business-friendly environment, the good work force and the easy access to the interstate highway system that allows us to serve a five-state area,” said Robert Colangelo, co-founding farmer and president of Green Sense Farms. “We look forward to promoting sustainable farming and being part of the Duneland Community, a precious ecosystem.”
Green Sense Farms is currently hiring for positions that will assist with seeding, transplanting, harvesting and packing. Interested candidates can apply by sending a resume to robert@greensensefarms.com.
“Green Sense adds to Portage’s diverse business climate,” said Portage Mayor James Snyder. “We truly believe that they emulate what we are trying to achieve—good-paying jobs with a sustainable environment. With a company like Green Sense, Portage is getting the best of both worlds.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Green Sense Farms, LLC up to $175,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans.
The city of Portage approved additional tax abatement for Green Sense Farms.
Indiana’s business climate allows companies to invest more into their operations, providing companies with the ideal environment for growth. Late last year the Tax Foundation ranked Indiana first in the Midwest and in the top 10 nationally for its 2014 Business Tax Climate Index.
About Green Sense Farms
At Green Sense Farms we take an eco-friendly approach to farming by creating an indoor vertical farm close to the consumer. Our growing facility allows us to control the environment so that we can consistently grow a high quality crop that can be harvested many times per year. The quality and freshness of our produce is enhanced through our ability to precisely control the temperature, humidity, light, water and organic nutrients that are delivered to each plant, thereby maximizing the yield and minimizing the footprint of our farm by recycling water and nutrients. Our produce is harvested and available to the retail consumer 365 days a year and can be delivered to a store near you within 48 hours. For more information about Green Sense Farms, visit www.greensensefarms.com.
About IEDC
Created in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mike Pence. Victor Smith serves as the Indiana Secretary of Commerce and Eric Doden is the president of the IEDC.
The IEDC oversees programs enacted by the General Assembly including tax credits, workforce training grants and public infrastructure assistance. All tax credits are performance-based. Therefore, companies must first invest in Indiana through job creation or capital investment before incentives are paid. A company who does not meet its full projections only receives a percentage of the incentives proportional to its actual investment. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
Source: Indiana Economic Development Corporation