Indiana American Water celebrated the official opening of the new $2.2 million American Water Training Center at the company's Northwest Indiana campus near Borman Park, in the heart of Gary. The facility represents another significant investment in employee development, operational readiness and the future of water service in Indiana.
The new training center also serves as the kickoff location for the company’s Flow Forward program, a statewide workforce development initiative that connects students with career opportunities in water, wastewater, engineering, technology, operations and skilled trades through hands-on learning experiences and industry engagement.
Located at 650 Madison Street, the training center provides a dedicated, hands-on environment where employees can develop the field, operational and safety skills needed to deliver safe, clean, reliable and affordable water service. Designed as an outdoor "mini-city," the facility enables employees to train in realistic, real-world scenarios within a controlled setting before performing similar work in the communities they serve.
VIDEO: Take a look inside Indiana American Water’s new training center.
To mark the occasion, company leaders, community partners and students participated in a ceremonial fire hydrant opening that symbolized the launch of both the new training center and Flow Forward. The moment represented the opening of a new flow of workforce development opportunities, career exploration and hands-on training for current and future water professionals across Indiana.
The center supports instruction across production, field services, construction, safety and future water applications. Training capabilities include excavation and shoring, utility locating, traffic control, water main tapping, service line work, confined-space procedures, meter installation, hydrant repair and water main repair and replacement.
“Today's opening is about much more than a new facility. It reflects Indiana American Water's longstanding commitment to Gary, Northwest Indiana and the people who help keep life flowing every day,” said Barry Suits, president of Indiana American Water.” Just as water flows through our communities to support everyday life, we want Flow Forward to create a pathway for students to discover meaningful careers and opportunities. The ceremonial hydrant opening represents both the launch of this training center and the beginning of a new statewide workforce development effort."
As part of today's Flow Forward program, students of GEO 21st Century Academy in Northwest Indiana participated in a hands-on introduction to the water industry, engaging with utility professionals and exploring the skills, technologies and career opportunities that help deliver safe and reliable water and wastewater services. The experience is designed to showcase the essential role water professionals play in protecting public health, supporting economic development and sustaining communities across Indiana.
Participating students in the Flow Forward program joined company employees, educators and community leaders for hands-on demonstrations, training center tours and conversations about careers in operations, engineering, water quality, technology, safety and other essential areas of the water sector.
“Flow Forward gives students a firsthand look at the people, skills and technology behind reliable water service,” said Justin Mount, Manager of Northwest Indiana Operations. “By symbolically opening a hydrant today, we're opening the door to new possibilities for students across Indiana. We want young people to see themselves in these careers and understand how they can help keep life flowing in their own communities.”
Highlighting Continued Investments in Gary
The training center is the latest in a series of major Indiana American Water investments in Gary and Northwest Indiana. The company recently completed a multi-year, $23.5 million water main replacement project from Colfax Street to Broadway, modernizing critical infrastructure and supporting long-term system reliability. Indiana American Water also completed $4.3 million in renovations to its Gary office, strengthening the campus as a center for customer service, operations, employee development and community partnership.
Together, Indiana American Water's new $2.2 million training center, $23.5 million water main replacement project and $4.3 million the Borman Park water treatment facility building and office complex renovation, combined with the $8 million Disinfection Treatment Plant completed at the Borman Park facility just over three years ago, represent nearly $38 million in investments in Gary operations and infrastructure. These projects reflect the company's long-term commitment to its employees, customers and the continued economic vitality of Northwest Indiana.
Indiana American Water remains focused on investing in infrastructure, workforce development and community partnerships that support reliable service and create opportunities for future generations.
