FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — A nationally recognized manufacturing company has cemented its headquarters here in Fort Wayne.
On Wednesday, Riverside Manufacturing LLC celebrated the opening of a brand new facility in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Those who attended included company leaders, U.S. Senator Jim Banks, U.S. Representative Marlin Stutzman, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, and Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker.
This new building will bring four separate locations through which the company operated into one consolidated building.
Riverside is known for creating and manufacturing equipment that can sustain harsh environments, particularly in electronics, plastic molding, and metal fabrication. Fred Merrit, the CEO of Riverside, explained that one of their products could be seen every day, but the average person would never know.
“We go all the way from a number of electronics for defense LAN systems. Some weapon systems, all the way to, we’re now supporting AI with Caterpillar for backup power gen systems. All the way to consumer goods for electronic cat litter boxes,” Merritt said. “If I tell people, you actually see our product every day, it just doesn’t have our name on it. Whether it’s an elevator button, a label on a forklift, a UPS or FedEx truck driving around, we support many, many different things. Fire and emergency vehicles, also.”
Banks, Stutzman, and Tucker all spoke on Riverside’s impact on Indiana, as well as the rest of the country.
“Indiana is a national leader in manufacturing and plays a vital role in supporting America’s defense industrial base,” said Banks. “Companies like Riverside are helping drive that success through continued investment, innovation and job creation. It’s exciting to see Riverside continue growing in Northeast Indiana and strengthening both our regional economy and our nation’s industrial capabilities.”
“When companies choose to invest in American manufacturing, they’re investing in our workers, our communities and our future,” said Stutzman. “Riverside’s new facility is another example of the innovation and craftsmanship that define Northeast Indiana, and I’m excited to see what comes next.”
“Today is a celebration of what can happen when a company chooses to grow alongside its community,” said Tucker. “Riverside’s investment is creating opportunities for local families, strengthening our economy and adding to the momentum we’re building across Fort Wayne. We’re proud to have Riverside call Fort Wayne home, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone together.”
The company’s new headquarters is located at 7310 Innovation Boulevard in Fort Wayne.