Indiana lures Chicago-based company across border as jobs rivalry intensifies between states

Officials with an Illinois-based industrial shelving company say they're expanding in Gary, Indiana.

Edsal Manufacturing Co. Inc.'s decision announced Thursday at Gary City Hall is expected to create about 300 jobs in the struggling community about 30 miles southeast of Chicago.

It also comes while a longtime jobs rivalry between the two states appears to be intensifying. Earlier this month, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said he wanted to "rip the economic guts from Indiana."

Chicago-based Edsal makes commercial-grade shelving and storage systems.

Executive Vice President Mitch Liss cited Gary officials' effort to attract the company, rail access and workforce in the once-thriving manufacturing community.

The city plans on offering tax incentives.

Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson says location also was a draw for Edsal.