Bloomington, Ind. – A new medical device manufacturing facility isn’t just bringing 100 new jobs to Indianapolis—the site will also boost the economy with a goal of contracting with 100% local minority-owned construction companies. Harmon Construction, a third-generation family-owned contractor, was named the general contractor. Additionally, contractors with Harmon are 97% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and 100% XBE (any combination of Women-, Veteran-, Disability-, and Minority-owned Business Enterprises) certified by either the state of Indiana or the city of Indianapolis.
“Harmon Construction is honored to be the leader of this minority constructed project,” said Bill Harmon, president of Harmon Construction. “Our team looks forward to providing Cook with a positive construction experience, building not only a facility but a long-term relationship. Harmon, alongside Cook, is committed to African American businesses and workforce that we know will shine on the 38th street project.”
Located at the corner of Sheridan Street and 38th Street, this location was chosen because residents face high rates of poverty and unemployment. To help address some of those challenges, Cook Medical, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, The Indianapolis Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana, and the United Northeast Community Development Corporation partnered together to create opportunities for individual and community growth. As part of the development plans, one of the goals was to contract with local, minority-owned businesses in order to serve the community at large.
“Equity begins with intention,” said Ashley Gurvitz, chief operating officer and executive director of United Northeast CDC. “With the construction of this facility, we are making a statement that everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed—regardless of skin color. This is an investment so that our community can become more self-sufficient and begin to thrive.”
At the facility, employees will manufacture medical devices such as introducers, sheaths, drainage catheters, and needles for Cook Medical as employees of Goodwill Commercial Services. This high-skill manufacturing training will provide employees opportunities for long-term employment and career progression. Through Goodwill, the facility will also offer wrap around services, such as mental and physical health support, substance use disorder support, soft skills training, housing stabilization, and other services necessary to remove barriers to socioeconomic progress. Employees can also advance their education for free, from a high school diploma through a master’s degree, as well as other certifications.
“Companies can do good business and do good in the community at the same time,” said Pete Yonkman, president of Cook Medical and Cook Group. “When we serve our communities, everyone benefits. We encourage other companies to see the potential around them as they strive for equity.”
For more information, download the Goodwill Indy Project Factsheet, view the original press release announcing this facility, or read the community newsletter, Bringing Opportunity Back Issue 1. For questions, email Community@CookMedical.com.
About Cook Medical
Since 1963, Cook Medical has been inventing, manufacturing, and delivering a unique portfolio of medical devices to healthcare systems around the world. We work closely with physicians to develop technologies that improve patients’ lives. Because we remain family owned, we have the freedom to focus on what we care about: our patients, our employees, and our communities. Find out more at CookMedical.com, and for the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.