Sutton-Garten Co. already is making a difference in the Northwest Indiana business community, and its East Chicago facility hasn't officially opened yet.

The Indianapolis-based supplier of dry ice and dry ice blasting equipment was caught in the Aug. 11 derecho like most businesses in the Region. The company was in the final stages of renovating the 17,000-square-foot building at 5204 Indianapolis Blvd.

While damage from the storm delayed the project's completion, the Sutton-Garten team made time to donate dry ice and a truckload of supplies for the community.

“We are very proud of our team in East Chicago. Regardless of the circumstances and what we were going through at the plant, we were able to find time to assist a community in need, and when something drastic like this happens, we think helping others in need is important,” said Pat Garten, president of Sutton-Garten, in a press release.

They also completed $2 million in renovations at the facility. To celebrate, officials are planning an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11. The grand opening will include tours, lunch and sessions to explain the dry ice production process and its uses. Cold Jet, a dry ice technology company, will demonstrate dry ice blasting.

“One of our main objectives at the open house will be to generate awareness of the dry ice blasting process and its efficacy for cleaning industrial equipment,” said Matt Garten, vice president of Sutton-Garten. “It doesn’t damage surfaces or important components, and it leaves no secondary waste. It is nontoxic, making it safe for employees.”

The East Chicago location was chosen in 2025 to meet the dry ice needs of Chicago, Northern Illinois and Northern Indiana. The company also operates manufacturing facilities in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.

“We are excited to be in Northwest Indiana to serve Chicagoland customers who need quality dry ice for cold storage, shipping and even personal use,” Matt Garten said.

The East Chicago location already employs 10 people, with plans to grow that number.

In 2025, the family-owned company transported a dry ice reclaimer from Texas to Indianapolis. The equipment captures and reuses carbon dioxide, which is a byproduct of the dry ice manufacturing.

Sutton-Garten has provided welding equipment and supplies for more than 100 years. It began producing dry ice in 2008.