Maker of cop-car products looks to land in Noblesville

Pro-Gard Products LLC is weighing a move from Fishers to Noblesville, where the 46-year-old firm is seeking tax breaks to help pay for a building expansion and new equipment.

Located now at 7988 Centerpoint Drive (in Fishers’ Crosspoint business park, no matter what the U.S. Post Office says), Pro-Gard makes aftermarket equipment for law enforcement vehicles.

It got its start in 1968 making prisoner-transport partitions for a local police agency, and grew as word spread. Over the years, the firm has expanded its product line to include everything from gun racks to trunk organizers, anti-theft systems to protective “push bumper” attachments.

The company holds nine patents, according to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records.

Pro-Gard is looking to acquire a 33,500-square-foot building at 9650 E. 148th St., in Noblesville Business Park, and plans to expand the warehouse by another 15,000 square feet. The total price tag, with equipment: about $3.2 million.

The move would bring 34 employees (and their $46,000 annual salaries) to Noblesville, and the expansion would allow the company to add five more workers.

It is seeking a 10-year property tax abatement for the building addition and a four-year tax phase-in on new equipment. Noblesville Common Council is expected to consider a preliminary resolution authorizing the incentives at its regular meeting  Tuesday night.