Michigan City-based D. Martin Enterprises recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new manufacturing facility at 50 Motts Parkway.
Four generations of the family-owned business were on hand for the celebration. D. Martin Enterprises also marked 50 years in business serving the steel industry.
The new facility expands the company’s steel industry offerings with about 116,400 square feet of manufacturing space and 4,000 square feet of office space. Construction began in 2024.
“Look around you. This isn’t just a bigger space, this is proof, proof that all of your hard work, the weekends, the risks, the failures, the wins, the confidence and belief that we could pull off any great idea has paid off,” said Cory Martin, D. Martin Enterprises director of HR/communications, in a press release.
The business began with Don Martin Sr. and his wife Betty, providing a range of solutions for the electric arc furnace steel mills across the country. It continued with Gary and Don Martin Jr. D. Martin Enterprises is in the third generation and has 106 employees.
“The basement is where it all started … though my grandma told me that was just a temporary office in-between. Either way, it was a start, a small start that just kept going,” Cory Martin said. “I have distinct memories of other offices throughout the years …. Being dragged there on weekends with my parents. I started working here over 10 years ago … And now here we are.”
Cassie Martin Graham, D. Martin Enterprises president, also shared her memories.
“On my first visit to a mill, I saw scrap metal get struck by what looks like lightning bolts, melt into glowing liquid and poured from one vessel to another,” she said. “As we grow, we will grow with purpose. DME is a dynamic place right now and it’s changing every day. I look forward to seeing what the next generation brings.”
Economic Development Corp. Michigan City Executive Director Clarence Hulse said family-owned businesses have unique stories and strengths.
“When you have so many family members integral to the growth and direction of a business, you have a special recipe for success as there is an investment like no other,” Hulse said. “How amazing to see DME start the next phase with the founders’ granddaughters at the helm reinforcing roots here in Michigan City.”
