Bourbon, Ind. — Shells, Inc., the country’s first non-captive sand core manufacturer, today announced it is planning to create nine, high-paying positions in Marshall County in response to demand for its core molding services and the need for high tech manufacturing processes.

High-quality sand cores are used to produce complex, pressure tight aluminum sand and permanent mold castings, which are used to create products at a wide range of foundries. Shells has provided the Midwest foundries with shell and cold box cores through conventional core machines for more than 50 years, the last half of that in Bourbon, Ind., which is about 30 miles south of South Bend.

Now, though, customers are demanding quick casting design turn around, and complicated assembled cores made possible only through 3D printing.

“No business can succeed without keeping up with technology, and we are very excited to bring this cutting-edge technology to our Bourbon facility, said Shells President and Chief Executive Officer John Edminister. “We’re deeply appreciative of the support we’ve been given by our local and state officials.”

Based on the company’s plans to invest roughly $6 million by the end of 2026, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment to Shells Inc. of up to $130,000 in Hoosier Business Investment (HBI) tax credits. The tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once the investment has been made.  Marshall County also recently supported the company’s plans for growth by approving an abatement schedule for personal property the company plans to purchase and implement in the coming year.

Ann Lathrop, chief strategy officer for the IEDC, said Shells’ investment in new tech is a smart move.

“Shells has a great reputation for quality work and this addition of 3D printing to its traditional processes is a key move,” she said. “Indiana’s manufacturing sector must continue to evolve technologically if we are to maintain our position as the nation’s most intensive manufacturing state.”

Greg Hildebrand, President & CEO of Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) said the expansion is great news.

“Shells, the Town of Bourbon, Marshall County and the Marshall County EDC is proud to have been a part of this process,” Hildebrand said. “These advanced manufacturing jobs are important to the growth and competitiveness of our region.”

Sikich Site Selection & Incentives assisted Shells Inc in securing incentive assistance.

“Indiana makes it attractive for companies to locate and expand, and we are pleased that a company of Shell’s caliber has recognized that,” said Jenny Massey, director of site selection and business incentives, a newly formed practice at Sikich, LLP. “It’s an indication that this great company will be providing good jobs to Hoosiers for years to come.”

Hildebrand said the project represents a $5.8 million capital investment in personal property for Shells, which currently has 81 employees. The new equipment will add nine additional employees with a pay range between $17.50 and $34.00 an hour.

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About Shells Inc.: Shells Incorporated is a leading producer of outsourced cores for the foundry industry offering a full range of core-making services including cold box and shell cores. Shells opened in 1972 as the country’s first non-captive sand core manufacturer, and the company has provided the Midwest foundry industry with shell and cold box cores through conventional core machines since 1972.

About Sikich Site Selection & Incentives (Sikich SSI)
Sikich is an independent site selection and incentives consulting firm, specializing in finding and negotiating local, state and federal incentives. The team has assisted companies ranging from start-up size to Fortune 500 companies, securing millions of dollars of support through refundable tax credits, training grants and site-specific incentives.