Times Staff Report

MUNSTER | McJunkin Red Man Corp., one of North America's largest distributors of industrial pipe, valves, and oilfield supplies, says it will relocate its Midwest distribution center here, with the potential to employ as many 60 people by 2010.

According to a press release, the company will close its Harvey, Ill., distribution center and invest more than $2 million to site and equip its new 100,000-square-foot center at 101 45th Avenue, adjacent to the new Amazon.com fulfillment center.

"We are proud that McJunkin Red Man has selected Indiana for its new facility. We have worked hard to create a competitive environment that encourages businesses like McJunkin Red Man to grow in Indiana, and I know the company will be pleased with the work ethic and productivity of Hoosiers," Gov. Mitch Daniels said.

The distributor of pipe, valves and fittings to the gas, oil, pharmaceutical, and power generation industries will begin hiring managers, sales staff, warehouse technicians, drivers, and administrative specialists in 2008. "We are very excited about our move to Indiana," said Karl Witt, regional vice president of McJunkin Red Man. "We see this as an important step in our plan for growth in the Chicagoland area as well as in our ability to support all of the McJunkin Red Man locations throughout the Midwest. This new location will allow us to expand our operations and support our customers, while at the same time creating a positive business environment which includes access to high quality labor and competitive operational costs."

McJunkin Redman, which employs more than 3,500 associates at more than 230 locations in North America, Nigeria and Puerto Rico, currently operates three Indiana customer-servicing sites in Indianapolis, Mount Vernon and South Bend.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered McJunkin Red Man up to $80,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $14,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans, according to the press release. The town of Munster will provide the company with improved access to the new facility as part of its ongoing 45th Avenue overpass project.