BATESVILLE, Ind. — Med-Mizer plans to invest $9 million in upgrades to its Batesville operation, a project expected to create up to 73 jobs, Gov. Mike Braun announced Tuesday, Oct. 13. The medical equipment company will retrofit its existing 40,000-square-foot facility at 80 Commerce Drive and buy new equipment. The changes are intended to increase production and support a second work shift. Med-Mizer makes hospital beds and equipment used to move and handle patients. Its products serve hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities and people receiving care at home. The expansion will help the company meet a five-year contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide hospital beds, support surfaces and accessories for veterans receiving care at home. The contract was awarded through Med-Mizer’s partner, DiSorb Systems. “Being entrusted to provide at-home hospital beds and support surfaces nationwide to Veterans is especially meaningful to us,” CEO Brian Roth said. The company has begun hiring for manufacturing, engineering, technical support, quality, shipping and customer service roles. Med-Mizer’s workforce is expected to more than double, and the state says the new positions are projected to pay an average of 134% of Ripley County’s average wage. Founded in Batesville in 2003, Med-Mizer is an Indiana-based, veteran-founded business. Braun described the expansion as a sign of the company’s growth and credited Indiana’s business climate and workforce. The announcement did not specify a timeline for completing the upgrades or filling the positions.