Carmel-based technology firm Gemms Inc. plans to invest $2.1 million to expand its headquarters and software development operations here, more than doubling its staff in the next five years.

Indiana Economic Development Corp. announced the growth plans Tuesday morning.

Gemms, which develops electronic medical record systems for cardiology practices, has 40 employees now; it plans to begin hiring immediately and expects to add 69 jobs by 2015.

Founded in 1997, the company has customers in 38 states. Its programs are used to manage more than 3 million patient charts.

The federal government has earmarked $27 billion in stimulus funds to encourage doctors and hospitals to computerize their patient records. Plans call for development of a nationwide health information technology system—something Gemms leaders are excited about.

"With the addition of stimulus monies available for electronic health records GEMMS is primed to grow," CEO Rodger Pinto said in a prepared statement. "Gemms has decided to commit to another 10 years of growing in central Indiana … thanks to the low-cost of doing business, ability to attract a quality workforce and tax considerations.”

IEDC offered the company up to $1 million in performance-based tax credits and $52,000 in training grants based on its job creation plans. The city of Carmel will provide additional property tax abatement.