Indiana: Strong Growth in Manufacturing, Logistics & Technology

19 Feb, 2018

By leveraging world-class universities and research partnerships, sound fiscal policy and a pro-business environment, Indiana has the resources and people needed for new opportunities for jobs and investment in the global marketplace.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced a record-breaking year for economic development in 2017. Businesses in Indiana and around the world have committed to creating up to 28,846 new Indiana jobs in the coming years.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has made many large announcements in several industry segments including manufacturing, logistics and technology.

One-fifth of Indiana’s workforce are employed at more than 8,500 manufacturing facilities throughout the state, and the industry continues to strengthen. In 2017, manufacturing companies accounted for 47 percent of expansion and job creation commitments made to the IEDC. Manufacturers like BWI, Grand Design RV, Fort Wayne Metals and Android Industries are planning more than $5.2 billion in combined investment to create up to 10,259 new jobs.

In 2017, logistics companies like HMD Trucking, UPS, Spot Freight and TPS Industrial Services planned significant growth in Indiana as well, committing to invest more than $343 million and create up to 2,848 jobs.

As part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Roads plan, more than $4.7 billion will be invested to improve Indiana’s roads over the next five years.

Regional Sidebar

Radius, Indiana

By Loyd McIntosh

Encompassing eight counties in southwest Indiana, Radius is a regional partnership dedicated to improving the economic opportunities and standard of living for the 225,000 residents that call the area home.

Radius was created by the state’s General Assembly to provide resources for the largely rural area and spur economic growth in the region. “The General Assembly recognized several years ago that economic development was more challenging in rural areas, and with its unique challenges it required unique tools,” explains Jeff Quyle, President, and CEO of Radius, Indiana.

One of the area’s best assets is the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, located primarily in Martin County. Focusing on electronic warfare and information operations, the facility has brought hundreds of scientists to the area conducting research on cutting-edge technology, sensors, electronic warfare, electronic security, energy storage and battery technology. “It’s a fascinating asset to figure out how we best take advantage from an economic development perspective.” As a result of the base and the businesses in the surrounding community, Martin County now has the fourth-largest concentration of STEM jobs in the country.

Sensing an opportunity to make a mark in technology, the state and Radius leadership established the Battery Innovation Center (BIC), an initiative designed to focus on the development, testing and commercialization of energy storage systems for defense and commercial use. Located in a 40,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility in Newberry, the BIC is now regarded as one of the premier research centers of its kind in the nation. “Companies from all around the United States come to our region to do research, development, and prototyping of batteries and energy storage,” says Quyle.

Manufacturing is also significant with everything from auto parts to sophisticated electronics, as well as some of the best limestone in America quarried in the area. Lastly, with grants and tax revenue from a nearby casino flowing into the area, the quality in towns like Jasper, Bedford and Huntingburg is improving rapidly. Simply put, now is the time to take a look at Radius, Indiana.

Business Xpansion Journal

More Posts

0 no comments

Tweet