Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Business Investment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
EDC finds G & H Wire in compliance after update on investments and hiring plans
Summary
G & H Wire told Franklin City commissioners it invested about $732,000 since 2021, is automating production and expects 20–30 on‑site hires within a year; the Economic Development Commission voted to find the company in compliance with CF‑1 requirements.
The Franklin City Economic Development Commission voted to find G & H Wire in compliance after company representatives outlined recent investments and hiring plans.
Michelle Padishaw, representing G & H Wire, told the commission the firm has invested roughly $732,000 in its Linville Way facility since a 2021 expansion and is balancing new capital equipment with hiring and automation. Padishaw said the company serves about 90 countries and has been navigating industry‑wide low single‑digit growth and labor shortages. "We made the extensive investment in the property and plant, and we have exceeded our investment by about $732,000," she said.
The company described the jobs it expects to add as "semi‑skilled, entry level" positions and said it faces competition in the local labor market from businesses offering higher hourly wages. Padishaw said the firm plans to in‑source previously contracted manufacturing into the Franklin facility and anticipates adding about 20 to 30 on‑site roles within 12 months, depending on automation choices.
Commission members questioned whether new hires would be on‑site and what skill levels were required; Padishaw replied that operational roles would be on‑site while some functions remain remote. After discussion about protecting hiring incentives for automation and acknowledging the company was above estimates on average wages, a commissioner moved and the commission approved a finding of CF‑1 compliance for KC2025‑13.
The commission recorded the voice vote as approving the compliance finding. The company left with encouragement to continue hiring and to return with updates if plans change.
