TARGET INDUSTRIES

There’s a long tradition of manufacturing and fabrication in North Central Indiana -and a long tradition of innovation. Our partner counties had companies using advanced manufacturing echnologies long before “advanced manufacturing” became a popular term. That’s because those businesses supplied leading aerospace, automotive, and agribusiness companies with components and products that kept them competitive. That tradition continues today throughout North Central Indiana for several reasons. One of the most important is that our region has an abundance of quality-focused workers with the skills today’s manufacturers need. And they keep those skills sharp, thanks to strong educational resources that work in partnership with employers. Another key reason is our region’s impressive connectivity. 

We’re well-served by a network of Interstate-quality state and federal highways that put six of the nation’s main Interstates within an hour, and by Class 1 and short line rail service. That means manufacturers can get the raw materials they need on time, and ship finished products quickly. We also have plenty of affordable land, existing facilities ready to be repurposed for your needs, and business-friendly characteristics such as low taxes, low workers comp premiums, and the fact that Indiana is a right-to-work state.

North Central Indiana has a long tradition of taking innovative approaches to manufacture sophisticated equipment. For decades, we’ve supplied quality-conscious manufacturers in the aerospace industry, as well as in other industries such as automotive components. We’re proud of a skilled workforce that has an inherent ommitment to hard work and a job well done.

Today, we’re even better positioned to serve the aerospace industry, thanks to the Grissom Aeroplex (KGUS), an Air Force Reserve base that’s been repurposed as a hub for aerospace companies. It’s a county-owned facility with a well-maintained all-weather 12,500-foot runway that can accommodate the most wide-bodied commercial aircraft, a control tower, 1.2 million square feet of ramp space, four existing hangars, and 24/7 onsite fire protection. Additionally, there is 360 acres of Greenfield space for new construction adjacent to the runway. The Aeroplex provides the perfect site for large aircraft maintenance and repair providers like Dean Baldwin Painting, air cargo operations, and manufacturing companies.

Aerospace companies also benefit from our region’s strong commitment to education. Local K-12 schools are ensuring that students learn needed skills through programs such as Project Lead the Way. In addition, Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University, and Purdue University offer Airframe and Power Plant mechanic certifications as well as aviation degreed programs to include engineering, aviation technology, and airport management.

North Central Indiana is proud of its agricultural heritage, and our region continues to be a major producer, with millions of acres in corn, soybeans, and other crops -as well as production of hogs, cattle, dairy products, and poultry. That longtime focus has made us a natural location for the full range of agribusiness activity, from seed production, to crop chemicals and fertilizers, seed oil refining, and manufacturing for implements and farm equipment. Local workers have a deep understanding of agriculture.

Our region has plenty of open land to offer, along with extensive fresh water supplies, state-of-the-art sewer systems, and low-cost utilities (including high-speed fiber). Bringing raw materials in and shipping products out is made much easier by two Interstate-quality divided highways, the Hoosier Heartland Highway and U.S. 31, providing rapid access to Indiana’s many Interstate highways and lake and river ports. We also have plenty of rail capacity, with multiple Norfolk Southern and CSX lines, as well as multiple regional and short line carriers. There’s also the Grissom Aeroplex (KGUS) and its 12,500-foot runway, along with fast access to air cargo facilities in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Cincinnati.

Another attractive point for agribusiness is the low cost of land throughout our region. Combined with Indiana’s right-to-work status, low business taxes and workers comp premiums, it makes North Central Indiana a productive choice for the industry that efficiently keeps the world fed.

North Central Indiana has been proud to play a role in feeding the world for more than a century. Our area was settled by farmers who turned prairie into some of the world’s most productive agricultural land -land that continues to produce massive quantities of corn, soybeans, and hogs. That production, coupled with abundant amounts of fresh water, sewer capacity, and low-cost utilities, has also made our region particularly attractive to companies that produce food for consumers.

Fast distribution is also important to food and beverage companies, and once again, our region excels. Our network of Interstate-quality state and federal highways moves traffic throughout the area very efficiently, and ties into six of the nation’s main Interstate highways. Rail service includes multiple lines from both Norfolk Southern and CSX, as well as several regional and short line carriers.

Land costs are also remarkably affordable, which is particularly appealing to food and beverage makers with facilities that need large footprints and rail access. Add in Indiana’s business-friendly attitude, with right-to-work laws and delightfully low business taxes and workers comp premiums, and you’ll find so many great reasons to bring your business to North Central Indiana.

Today’s businesses need to keep moving to stay successful and competitive, and North Central Indiana makes it easy for distribution and logistics providers to do just that while keeping costs under control. Indiana has invested heavily in developing highway infrastructure that speeds the arrival of materials into the area, and that allows companies to move goods to where they need to go.

For example, our region is spanned by two Interstate-quality divided highways, the Hoosier Heartland Highway and U.S. 31, both of which provide rapid access to the many crucial Interstate highways that make Indiana the crossroads of the nation. Rail access is also outstanding, with multiple Norfolk Southern and CSX lines, as well as multiple regional and short line carriers. And for expedited shipments, it’s hard to beat the Grissom Aeroplex (KGUS) and its 12,500-foot runway, 1.2 million square feet of ramp space, and four massive hangars. We’re also a quick drive to the FedEx hub and other air cargo operations at Indianapolis International Airport, as well as international airports ate South Bend and Fort Wayne.

Our region’s attractively low land costs are ideal for logistics providers who want to build high-volume facilities with unencumbered access. When you add all that to Indiana’s right-to-work status, low business taxes and workers comp premiums, you’ll see why North Central Indiana is right at the center of everything distribution and logistics companies need.

Logistics & Distribution Links

CSX Rail

FedEx Express Hub

Fort Wayne International Airport

Grissom Aeroplex

Indianapolis International Airport

NS Rail

Purdue University Airport

South Bend International Airport