COLUMBIA CITY – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement today, applauding 80/20 Inc. for its plans to invest $11 million to expand its Columbia City headquarters, creating as many as 97 new jobs by 2016.

Construction of a new addition to the company’s existing 250,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin next month.

“I am delighted that 80/20 Inc. is writing the next chapter of their Hoosier success story by expanding and creating jobs in Columbia City,” said Stutzman. “Today’s announcement proves there are few limits to Hoosier ingenuity and hard work. I congratulate 80/20 CEO Don Wood, his employees and the Columbia City community on today’s announcement.”

The originator and manufacturer of “The Industrial Erector Set,” 80/20 Inc. designs and builds modular aluminum framing for nearly any application, from industrial machine frames to home-hobby projects. Started in 1989 in Fort Wayne, the company moved its headquarters to Columbia City in 1996. This is the company’s third expansion since 2008.