MonoSol, a Merrillville-based subsidiary of Kuraray in Japan, makes water-soluble films used for products like detergent pods.

Against a backdrop of massive earth-moving equipment and stacks of structural steel, Indiana’s manufacturing base took another step forward at the ceremonial groundbreaking for MonoSol’s new plant in Lebanon, Indiana.

MonoSol and its customers continue to benefit from major capital investments by its parent company, Tokyo-based chemical manufacturer Kuraray Group, LTD. The new $72 million, 150,000-square-foot production facility is MonoSol’s sixth manufacturing plant and its fourth in Indiana. The company makes water-soluble films for single-unit-dose laundry and dishwasher detergents, personal care, food ingredients and agriculture products as well as films that are used to improve manufacturing processes. MonoSol films are made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), a biodegradable, non-toxic film that dissolves in water.

MonoSol leaders and employees were joined by local and state officials at the groundbreaking in Lebanon, Indiana.

Construction on the site, located in the Duke Realty Lebanon Business Park, began early this spring. When the current plan is completed in late 2020, the company expects the facility to employ up to 90 workers. Founded in Indiana in 1953, MonoSol currently employs nearly 600 workers at its three plants in Northwest Indiana and its Merrillville headquarters. The company additionally manufactures its water-soluble films in the U.K. and Japan.

Company leaders and employees were joined by local and state officials to celebrate the groundbreaking. MonoSol President and Kuraray Executive Officer P. Scott Bening said the project is designed to enhance the company’s proximity to its growing global customer base and provide a degree of geographic diversity.

“MonoSol serves many of the largest consumer products companies in the world,” said Bening. “Building this new facility in Lebanon positions our company to continue growing alongside of them, while also proving that world-class companies can be born and grow right here in Indiana.”

Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry, said MonoSol’s commitment is one of the largest in a string of new investments planned for the city in recent months.

“MonoSol was recently recognized amongst the nation’s best and brightest companies to work for and I am pleased that they have chosen to locate their first central Indiana facility in Lebanon,” said Gentry. “We look forward to seeing them thrive in our community.”

MonoSol joins a growing number of Japanese-owned companies in Boone County, according to Boone County Economic Development Corporate Executive Director Molly Whitehead.

“MonoSol is a great example of the kind of manufacturer and international investment we are working to bring to Boone County,” said Whitehead. “We look forward to a productive relationship with the company in the years to come.”

Rollie Helming, senior vice president of global industry and trade at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, echoed comments about the state’s strong ties to international companies.

“MonoSol has been a great partner to the state for many years, and we are excited to help break ground on the company’s fourth facility in Indiana,” said Helmling. “Indiana and Japan share a strong relationship because of companies like MonoSol and its parent company, Kuraray Group. We are grateful for their continued commitment to Indiana and look forward to the new, quality jobs they will create in Boone County.”

Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck.

Company and local officials also participated in a traditional Japanese “Daruma” good luck ceremony. A Daruma doll is one of the most popular lucky charms in Japan and helps fulfill wishes. At the beginning of an important project, leaders paint one eye of the doll. Upon project completion, the other eye is painted in celebration of wishes being fulfilled.

Construction at the site is being led by The Ross Group, Inc. with facility design by Virtue Architects. Cushman & Wakefield supported site selection and acquisition.

About MonoSol

MonoSol’s water-soluble delivery systems have revolutionized detergent and cleaning industries all over the world. Its growing portfolio of applications includes detergents, agro-chemical packaging, solid surface and composite release films, and embroidery, as well as personal care products, food ingredients, water treatment chemicals, transfer printing and more. Through its collaborative mindset, global manufacturing footprint, high-quality products and scientific expertise, MonoSol partners with customers to create innovative product packaging solutions that enhance everyday life. Founded in 1953, MonoSol is a division of Kuraray, one of the world’s leading specialty chemical companies, and is based in Merrillville, Indiana. Visit www.monosol.com for more information.

About the Boone County Economic Development Corporation

A strong community is a united community, one that achieves balance between its residents and businesses. At the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, we seek the right economic opportunities to support strong communities and enhance the quality of life for all Boone County residents. We aim to be a catalyst for smart growth strategies. We forge mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations capable of understanding and further enriching the unique assets that the residents of Boone County have built. For more information, visit www.betterinboone.org.