One of Noble County's newest manufacturers produces some of the biggest products sold in this part of the state.

Precision Tank & Equipment Co., located in the Ligonier Industrial Park, started production earlier this year in its new factory surrounded by cornfields on the city's north side.

The company invested $1.5 million in Ligonier for its 27,000-square-foot plant. That investment included $960,000 in equipment.

The firm makes huge liquid storage tanks for a variety of markets, but the biggest demand currently comes from the agricultural industry. The tanks range in size from 200 gallons to 30,000 gallons. Many of the tanks made in Ligonier are used by farmers and agricultural-supply businesses to hold chemicals, fertilizer or fuel.

Company officials take pride in pointing out the role their company plays in the country's farming market.

"Our ag tanks serve the fertilizer market, ultimately helping with the food and fiber production of U.S. farmers," said David Hemming, president of Precision Tank. "Our very early orders show demand is there and we anticipate the potential to run two shifts here at Ligonier."

Last week, plant officials gave a tour to local, county and state officials to show off their operation. The factory currently employees nine people with plans to go to 14 or 15 employees by the end of the year. When at full strength the firm's annual payroll could be as high as $440,000, Hemming said.

Visitors to the plant included Ligonier Mayor Patty Fisel and Wayne Fox, the city's building commissioner, along with John Bry from the Noble County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and State Rep. David Yarde of Garrett, whose House District 52 borders the industrial park. Yarde also serves on the Indiana House's small business and economic development committee.

Yarde and others watched as two fiberglass tanks were in the production process. All were impressed by the size of the products and the technology used by Precision Tank's crews. There were two 30,000 gallon tanks - 36-feet high with 12-foot diameters - being made.

It takes two primary steps, each lasting about 13 hours, to produce a tank of that size, said Doff Fugate, plant manager for the Ligonier facility. "We are getting it set up so that one tank goes out the door every 13 hours," he said.

"I was very impressed with the scope of the operation and their state-of-the-art production facilities," Yarde said. "The employees were well trained in the technology they were using as well as the necessary safety precautions."

Yarde said Precision Tanks' commitment to Ligonier is a good sign. "They are optimistic about expansion and are looking at different products for expansion. It's a great partnership out there. It shows there are opportunities to grow, and that businesses are coming to northeast Indiana. I think it's proof the economy is starting to come around."

The company will ramp up its stainless-steel tank division later this year, in the other half of the Ligonier factory.

Precision Tank & Equipment was started in 1965 in Virginia, Ill., and this is the company's first plant outside of Illinois. It produces many other types of tanks for many markets, including firetrucks.

Fugate said his company is grateful for the help given by state, county and city officials to get the factory started in Ligonier. Tax credits and abatements were issued to get the project landed in Ligonier.

"The city of Ligonier has been very kind to us," Fugate said. "They have helped us in so many ways; it makes us proud to be a part of this city."