A Knox family’s dream of expanding their business is coming true, thanks to the combined efforts of local officials. The Triska family broke ground yesterday on a new building for Traffic Control Specialists, Inc. in the Knox Industrial Park.
The project was made possible with assistance from the Starke County Economic Development Foundation and City of Knox, who offered tax breaks and infrastructure support for the 16-acre site west of Knox Fertilizer and Toll Brothers. At a reception following the groundbreaking, owner Tracy Triska said the entire process has been almost like living “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“Our vendors, our customers, our employees – every time we needed something or we needed to go to another step, or we needed to go to the next level – something just came up and there it was, so we just really have been blessed with this whole situation and appreciate all the help we’ve received from this community. Thank you.”
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver says it’s a great day in Starke County for many reasons.
“It’s not only an expansion of an existing homegrown business, a woman/minority business, a entrepreneur business in Starke County and Knox, but it’s another success because it’s a retention. This business did not move to Valparaiso or LaPorte as there were thoughts, but they chose to stay here in Starke County in the city of Knox.”
TCS has outgrown its current building on 300 East between White Flyer and the railroad tracks. The company specializes in work zone safety and is the leading provider of signs and traffic control service throughout northern Indiana.
The Knox City Council approved zoning changes and incentives to enable the expansion, including the establishment of an economic revitalization area, a 10-year tax abatement for the new building and a seven-year abatement for equipment. The city and Starke County Economic Development Foundation also agreed to share the cost of water and sewer improvements to serve the site.
TCS currently has 65 employees, most of whom are local. Company officials expect to add at least 22 more once the new facility opens next spring.
