Gary, Ind. – September 18, 2026 -- Indiana American Water has opened a $2.2 million training center in Gary, bringing the company's total infrastructure and workforce investment in the city to nearly $38 million.
New facility trains workers in real-world water infrastructure scenarios
The training center, located at 650 Madison Street near Borman Park, is designed as an outdoor "mini-city" where employees practice excavation and shoring, utility locating, traffic control, water main tapping, service line work, confined-space procedures, meter installation, and hydrant and water main repair before performing the work in live communities.
Flow Forward program targets student recruitment into water careers
The center also launched Flow Forward, a statewide workforce development initiative connecting students with career paths in water, wastewater, engineering, technology, operations and skilled trades. Students from GEO 21st Century Academy in Northwest Indiana took part in the inaugural session, touring the facility and meeting utility professionals in operations, engineering, water quality, technology and safety roles.
Barry Suits, president of Indiana American Water, said the training center reflects the company's longstanding commitment to Gary and Northwest Indiana, and that Flow Forward is intended to create a pathway for students into water sector careers.
Gary investments total nearly $38 million across four projects
The $2.2 million training center adds to a $23.5 million water main replacement project completed from Colfax Street to Broadway, a $4.3 million renovation of the company's Gary office and Borman Park facility building, and an $8 million disinfection treatment plant completed at Borman Park just over three years ago. Combined, the four projects represent nearly $38 million in Gary operations and infrastructure spending.
Justin Mount, Manager of Northwest Indiana Operations, said the program aims to show young people how they can build careers keeping water service running in their own communities.