Kimball Eyes Medical Dominance with New Indy Hub, 'Solutions' Rebrand

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – January 08, 2026 – In a significant dual announcement signaling a major strategic pivot, Jasper-based Kimball Electronics, Inc. has revealed plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art medical manufacturing facility in Indianapolis. Simultaneously, the 65-year-old company announced its intention to rebrand as Kimball Solutions, a move designed to reflect its evolution from a traditional electronics manufacturer to a provider of comprehensive, integrated services for high-stakes industries.

The convergent strategies—a massive physical investment in the booming medical sector and a corporate identity overhaul—position the global manufacturer to more aggressively pursue the lucrative and complex life sciences market. The company will commemorate the opening of its new facility at 1220 Post Road on Friday, February 6, 2026, an event that marks both a new chapter for Kimball and a substantial boost for Indiana's growing reputation as a biotech and advanced manufacturing corridor.

A New Hub for Medical Innovation

The centerpiece of Kimball's strategic shift is the new 307,000-square-foot facility in Indianapolis. This advanced manufacturing and innovation hub is purpose-built to serve the exacting needs of the medical and life sciences industries. The company is making a substantial capital commitment, investing $22.4 million in the facility's buildout and an additional $34.1 million in new, specialized equipment.

Production is slated to begin in March 2026, following the February ribbon-cutting. The facility's capabilities will extend far beyond the printed circuit board assemblies that have long been Kimball's hallmark. The new site is equipped for a wide range of sophisticated medical manufacturing processes, including precision-injected molded plastics, cleanroom device assembly, disposable device production, and the manufacturing of surgical instruments and complex drug delivery devices like auto-injectors. Critically, it will also feature capabilities for sterilization and cold chain management, allowing Kimball to offer a more complete, end-to-end partnership to medical device original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

This new, larger plant will eventually consolidate operations from Kimball's two existing Indianapolis locations, which total approximately 140,000 square feet. The transition of existing programs is expected to occur over a period of two to three years. The consolidation will not only enhance efficiency but also ensure that all of Kimball's Indianapolis-based medical manufacturing benefits from the new site's advanced infrastructure and technology. The facility is expected to maintain or pursue critical industry certifications, including ISO 13485 for medical device quality management and FDA registration, which are non-negotiable requirements for competing in this highly regulated space.

From Electronics to Solutions: A Strategic Rebrand

Coinciding with its major facility investment, the company is embarking on a significant rebranding initiative. Beginning in July 2026, Kimball Electronics will begin a phased global rollout to become Kimball Solutions, pending corporate and regulatory approvals. The parent entity's name change to Kimball Solutions, Inc. is subject to a vote by its share owners.

The new name is more than a cosmetic change; it represents a fundamental shift in the company's market positioning. As CEO Richard D. Phillips stated, the rebrand reflects an “expanded portfolio of capabilities and solutions-driven approach, designed to meet the complex needs of our customers.” He emphasized that the move, coupled with the Indianapolis investment, demonstrates a commitment to innovation and a vision to deliver comprehensive solutions worldwide.

This evolution from “Electronics” to “Solutions” aligns with a powerful trend across the contract manufacturing industry. Customers, particularly in complex fields like medical technology, are no longer seeking simple assembly-line partners. They require collaborators who can provide integrated services spanning design, engineering, supply chain management, regulatory guidance, and post-market services. By adopting the “Solutions” moniker, Kimball is explicitly communicating its capacity to be that full-service partner, moving up the value chain from a component supplier to a strategic problem-solver.

“While the name of the company is changing, our core values of integrity, quality, and continuous improvement remain steadfast,” Phillips added. “These steps are a celebration of our heritage and a bold step toward the future – Building Tomorrow, Together.”

Tapping into a Booming Market

Kimball's strategic pivot is a direct response to powerful tailwinds in the medical device contract manufacturing market. Medical OEMs are increasingly outsourcing manufacturing to specialized partners to mitigate costs, accelerate time-to-market, and navigate the labyrinthine regulatory landscape governed by bodies like the FDA. This allows them to focus their resources on core competencies such as research and development.

Growth is being fueled by an aging global population, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and rapid technological advancements in areas like device miniaturization and connectivity (Internet of Things). This creates demand for manufacturing partners with sophisticated technical capabilities and a deep understanding of the regulatory environment. Kimball's new facility, with its focus on precision molding, complex assembly, and digitalization, is designed to capture this demand.

The move also positions Kimball to compete more effectively against larger, diversified contract manufacturing organizations like Jabil, Flex, and Plexus, which have strong footholds in the medical sector. While Kimball may not match their global scale, its deep specialization, demonstrated by the dedicated Indianapolis hub and its established regulatory credentials, serves as a key differentiator. The 'Kimball Solutions' identity is a clear signal to the market that the company offers a focused, high-touch, and integrated partnership specifically tailored for the medical industry's unique challenges.

Fueling Indiana's Life Sciences Corridor

The local economic impact of Kimball's expansion is substantial. The project is projected to create 345 new jobs over its first six years, with a notable average wage of $29 per hour. In addition to the new positions, the company will retain 165 existing jobs in the city. This infusion of high-wage manufacturing jobs represents a significant win for the Indianapolis economy.

In support of the project, Kimball received a six-year personal-property tax abatement, which is expected to save the company approximately $1.3 million while it contributes over $630,000 in taxes during that period. This public-private partnership underscores the city's commitment to attracting and retaining high-value employers in the advanced manufacturing and life sciences sectors.

Beyond the direct job creation and capital investment, Kimball's new hub is set to strengthen the entire regional ecosystem. It reinforces Central Indiana's status as a critical node in the nation's life sciences industry, potentially attracting further investment from suppliers, logistics firms, and other related businesses. For Randy Sible, General Manager of the Indianapolis facility, the project is a point of pride. “This investment is representative of our dedication to growth and will provide opportunity for our customers, employees, and the community,” he stated. The expansion is not just an investment in a new building, but an investment in the region's talent, infrastructure, and future as a leader in medical innovation.