Three northwest Indiana casinos continue to deal with the impact of the state's decision to permanently shut down the Cline Avenue Bridge, a key traffic artery to the properties. Indiana Gaming Insight Editor Ed Feigenbaum says the two Majestic Star casinos and the Ameristar Casinos Inc. property in East Chicago face a "very difficult" task to change the traffic patterns of potential customers. He says they will have to embark on expensive marketing campaigns and give customers more reasons to head to the casinos.
Packaging company to open NW Indiana distribution center
Indiana is benefiting from another consolidation effort. Flexible packaging product manufacturer Vector USA Inc. says it will establish a distribution center in the town of Kentland, creating 50 jobs in 2010. The company will centralize operations from facilities in New York, Ohio, Florida and Illinois in the Newton County community.
Auto supplier expanding in Brazil
An automotive components manufacturer in Clay County is expanding. Morris Manufacturing and Sales Corp. says it will invest more than $1.2 million to build more production space at its operations in Brazil, creating 82 jobs by 2011. The company currently has 150 workers.
EnerDel Indiana investment surges
A lithium-ion battery manufacturer is solidifying its position as a leader in emerging technologies in Indiana. EnerDel has confirmed Hancock County will be the site of its third manufacturing facility in the state, joining Noblesville and Indianapolis. The $237 million investment to lease and equip an existing building at Axcess70 at Mount Comfort Road in Hancock County will increase EnerDel's Indiana work force to 1,400. The battery maker's parent, Ener1 Inc., also has an ownership stake in electric vehicle maker Think North America, which recently announced plans to locate its U.S. manufacturing facility in Elkhart, with the aim of creating 415 jobs by 2013.
December index for Indiana inches upward
The Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at IU's Kelley School of Business says its Leading Index for Indiana (LII) increased 0.2 percent in December, compared to the previous month. The IBRC says the slight hike shows the LII is continuing an "unenergetic climb."
Elkhart County lands more jobs
A supplier for the recreational vehicle and commercial trailer industries is locating its manufacturing headquarters in Elkhart. Vixen Composites says it will invest more than $6 million in machinery and equipment and create up to 34 new jobs by 2012.
State lands $6 million green jobs training grant
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) a $6 million grant to help train Hoosier workers for green jobs. The money will fund a statewide training program and establish an Advanced Energy Training Center.
'Stable' commercial market will again be tough in 2010
After a turbulent year for commercial real estate in 2009, the central Indiana market begins the new year in better shape than many other regions around the country, according to the 2010 State of Real Estate Report issued by Colliers Turley Martin Tucker (CTMT). But the report cautions that the year ahead will be another tough one, that will include little or no new construction and an increase in foreclosures.
Remy to produce hybrid motors for Mercedes
Pendleton-based Remy International Inc. has reached an agreement to supply Daimler with electric motors for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid. Remy will be supplying two HVH electric motors per vehicle. The motors will be made at Remy's manufacturing facility in Hungary, while the car will be produced in Alabama.
Car seat manufacturer to add 100 jobs
Dorel Juvenile Group says it will expand its development and production operations in Columbus and create nearly 100 jobs by 2013. The company, which manufactures car seats, strollers and other child safety products, will invest more than $20 million for a new Design and Development Competency Center for its car seat division.
Health firm plans expansion in Johnson County
A pharmaceutical company is laying the groundwork for boosting its presence in Greenwood. Elona Biotechnologies plans to build a $28 million facility that would produce a form of insulin. The company says the expansion will add 70 jobs.
New medical school to strengthen health care
Officials for Marian University and the Indiana Osteopathic Association say the school's new college of osteopathic medicine will help boost the availability of quality health care in the state. President Dan Elsener says the college fits the state's strategy for growing medical and life sciences and it can help fill the ranks of primary care physicians.
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