The 102-year-old Diamond Chain Company facility in downtown Indianapolis and its 240 employees will leave the city for good in two to three years as company officials look to consolidate operations in Illinois.
Officials from The Timken Company, which acquired Diamond Chain from Amsted Industries in April 2019, notified associates at the Indianapolis plant of the closure and relocation on Tuesday. Motorcycle Roller Chain
Timken Spokesperson Scott Schroeder said the facility in Fulton, Illinois, will be established as the global chain business headquarters over the next 24 to 36 months.
"Since acquiring Diamond Chain last year, we’ve been carefully evaluating how to best integrate the business," Schroeder told IndyStar via email. "Our lease is expiring in Indianapolis; relocating to Fulton, where we own the facility, allows us to leverage our existing manufacturing footprint to best serve our customers."
Schroeder said the company will provide support to assist employees affected by the relocation. That includes possible opportunities for qualified candidates to fill open positions at the Fulton facility, benefits continuation and severance pay.
"We are providing advance notice of our plans to be as transparent as possible and to help associates plan for the future," Schroeder said. "We are meeting with associates today to discuss their circumstances and we have third-party employee assistance counselors on site today and tomorrow to help answer any questions associates may have."
Operations in Indianapolis will continue until production is successfully transferred to Fulton, Schroeder said.
Founded in 1890, Diamond Chain is a leading supplier of high-performance roller chains for industrial markets. The Indianapolis facility was built in 1918.
According to the website, Diamond Chain Company’s founders chose the diamond trademark to represent strength, durability and a constant reminder of the company’s commitment to producing the best quality products possible.
Diamond Chain’s products have been used in significant moments throughout history, including the Wright Brothers’ first flying machine and Henry Ford’s first car, according to the website.
Roller Chain Connecting Link Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at 317-444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.