MICHIGAN CITY, IND. (October 1, 2025) – Hitachi Global Air Power US, LLC, an industry leader in innovative compressed air solutions, announced it has gifted a new mural to the City of Michigan City in honor of the Sullair 60th anniversary. A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony took place Tuesday, September 30, on the 900 block of Michigan Boulevard. Open to the public, the event also brought together regional leaders and community members.
"The mural is a beautiful way to honor the rich history of Michigan City and to commemorate Sullair's 60th anniversary," said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. "I want to thank Hitachi for this great addition to our Michigan Boulevard corridor, and for making the celebration one that all our residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come. We look forward to many more years of working together as community partners."
The mural serves as a tribute to the long-standing partnership between Hitachi Global Air Power and Michigan City, where Sullair air compressors have been proudly assembled since 1965. It also stands as a centerpiece of the City’s Neighborhood Beautification Plan, reflecting a shared commitment to growth, revitalization, and civic pride.
"We are delighted to mark our 60th anniversary with this meaningful work of art – a gift to the community that has been more than just our home; it’s been our partner," said Hideki Fujimoto, President and CEO of Hitachi Global Air Power. "This milestone is not only a tribute to our history, but a reflection of the deep bond we’ve built with this city and its people over the past six decades. Together, we’ve grown, innovated, and built a reputation that reaches far beyond the borders of Indiana. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue that journey – expanding opportunities, supporting our community, and shaping a future we can all be proud of."
Beyond being one of the region’s top employers, Hitachi Global Air Power has long invested in Michigan City – including donating a Sullair air compressor and helping establish the Compressed Air Institute at Michigan City High School, creating new opportunities for local students.
About the Mural
Occupying the entire east side of the 900 block of Michigan Boulevard, the mural was designed and painted by East Chicago artist, Felix Maldonado, Jr.
Thematically, the mural is a tribute to Michigan City’s industrial history and the variety of peoples who helped build it; the north panel depicts the hands of the Native American population who cultivated crops and fished, the south panel portrays the labor of black workers who helped build the railroads and train cars. Other panels include Harriet Colfax, the pioneering lighthouse keeper for over four decades. Binoculars in the central panels connect past to future – one lens showing a seagull, a metaphor for Michigan City’s natural beauty and tourism, and the other a microchip, for its growing technology and innovation sector.
The event featured remarks from Fujimoto, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, and Maldonado. The project was facilitated by the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, which continues to bring meaningful public artworks to Michigan City. The project also supports the Economic Development Commission’s Vibrant Michigan City Playbook to improve and beautify the eastside.
About Hitachi Global Air Power US, LLC
We build the machines that power industry. We are Hitachi Global Air Power, a leading global industrial compressed air manufacturer. Headquartered in Michigan City, Indiana, our compressed air solutions power manufacturing operations all around the globe; from food and beverage, to pharmaceuticals and computer chips. Our portable compressors provide the air power to build roads and bridges, lay pipelines and aid in oil and gas mining and production.
As part of Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd., Hitachi Global Air Power operates ISO 9001 certified factories in Michigan City, Indiana and Suzhou, China, and sales offices strategically located in Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and South and Latin America. Through brands Hitachi, Sullair, and Champion (Australia), our machines have provided legendary reliability, durability, and performance for more than 60 years.
Our global network of engineering and quality experts are building next generation, highly efficient and environment-forward compressed air solutions in direct response to customer need.
Hitachi Global Air Power website
About Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems enhances productivity across various industries — including data centers, batteries, electronics and semiconductors and pharmaceuticals — through high-efficiency products such as compressed air systems, grid edge solutions, drives and coding and marking equipment. Our innovative solutions and services integrate digital technology to drive customer success and contribute to a more sustainable society. We support customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from maintenance to recycling. For more information on Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, please visit https://www.hitachi-ies.com/
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.
About Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides access to compelling exhibitions and programs that explore contemporary ideas. The organization is located at 101 W. 2nd Street at the lakefront in Michigan City, Indiana. Admission is free year-round. For more information, please visit LubeznikCenter.org or call 219.874.4900.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Ohlinger
Hitachi Global Air Power US, LLC
219-210-0995
jennifer.ohlinger@Hitachiglobalairpower.com
Janet Bloch
Lubeznik Center for the Arts
219.874.4900 x 107
jbloch@lubeznikcenter.org
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