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A California-based company developing automated implantable insulin pumps to control blood sugar levels for people with diabetes announced plans to relocate to Westfield on Monday.
Following the relocation from Chatsworth, California, PhysioLogic Devices Inc. will change its name to Portal Diabetes Inc. and its product name will change from ThinPump to Portal Pump.
The Portal Pump is expected to be a fully automated insulin delivery system capable of storing up to 12 weeks’ worth of insulin through an artificial pancreas.
“We are thrilled that Portal has chosen to relocate its headquarters to Westfield,” Mayor Scott Willis said in a written statement. “The company has cutting-edge technology that is changing the lives of people with diabetes around the world and will be a great corporate partner for our community.”
Portal, which was founded in 2013, plans to lease 18,000 square feet of existing space at 16803 Southpark Drive. The company plans to invest about $4 million in the new location and hire up to 35 full-time employees with an average salary of $135,265 by 2028. Current employees are expected to relocate to Westfield by the end of October.
“After completing a national search for a Portal location, we selected Westfield, Indiana as a vibrant community with a great business environment and access to talented life sciences talent,” Portal CEO Stacey Chambliss said in a written statement. “With its rich history in insulin manufacturing, we are excited to make Indiana our new home.”
On Monday night, Westfield City Council members voted 6-0 to approve a 10-year, 100 percent personal property tax abatement. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has committed up to $925,000 in incentive-based tax credits based on Portal’s hiring plans. The Westfield Redevelopment Commission also approved a $100,000 grant to support Portal’s expansion of its facilities.
“Their capital investment and high-paying jobs align perfectly with my long-term vision to create a high-tech manufacturing center in Westfield with a focus on the biotechnology and health care sectors,” Willis said.
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