Expanding Greendale Company Now Producing Epsom Salts

A company’s $11 million expansion in Greendale is nearly complete.

A ribbon cutting was held by Giles and Premier Magnesia company executives and Greendale city leaders on Tuesday, October 9, 2018. Photo provided.

(Greendale, Ind.) - Giles, a division of Premier Magnesia, LLC, is proud to announce the $11 million expansion of its Greendale, Indiana facility. 

Engineering began in early 2017 culminating in a construction agreement being finalized in late July.  The facility is now in the final phases of installing and commissioning equipment and expects to be in production by November 2018 pending final permit approvals. 

This facility has produced the liquid form of magnesium sulfate since the 1980s, but will now have the ability to crystallize that solution into epsom salts (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate). 

Jim Hill, president of parent company Premier Magnesia, LLC, stated, “We are excited to be here in Greendale, and we are already looking at further expansion at this site as business grows.”

Giles Chemical was founded in 1950 and subsequently merged to form a division of Premier Magnesia, LLC in 2007.  Giles is the largest producer and re-packager of epsom salts in the Americas with facilities in North Carolina and Indiana.  Premier Magnesia is a global market leader in magnesia-based solutions. The company owns and operates a magnesia ore mining operation in Gabbs, Nevada as well as distribution and conversion operations across the country.

Matt Haynes, VP of Manufacturing stated, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the various companies and agencies which have partnered with us in support of this project, including but not limited to: The City of Greendale & Mayor Weiss, Greendale Redevelopment Commission, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Economic Development Commission, Hrezo Engineering, Maxwell Construction, Debra-Keumpel, and TJ Williams Electric.”

Greendale Redevelopment Commission Executive Director Al Abdon stated, “Business Retention and Expansion of existing businesses in Greendale and Dearborn County is our top priority.  We are extremely excited to have the expansion of Giles Chemical in Greendale, as we were competing with other sites.  Beyond the obvious direct mutual benefits to Giles and Greendale, this project keeps the clean up and repurposing of the old Schenley Distillery site moving forward.  Finally, the promised eleven new full-time jobs, and the possibility of future expansion offers more employment opportunities for area residents.”

Greendale Mayor Alan Weiss stated, “We congratulate Giles on their expansion and appreciate them choosing Greendale to move their business forward.  We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Giles Chemical.”