Building Better Business E-Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 4 GLEDC Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation news GLEDC, EDCMC Kickoff Next 3 Years of Success Written by Tim Moran, Last updated on April 24, 2014, www.laportecountylife.com The Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC) and Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana (EDCMC) celebrated ten years of their unique partnership in retaining and expanding business in La Porte County Thursday night at Pottawattomie Country Club. The event, which served as both a recap of the accomplishments over the last three years in the cities of Michigan City and La Porte and a kickoff to the next phase of the partnership, which will occur over the next three years. Most of the people here tonight are with companies that have contributed to the campaign over the last three years, and this is a great opportunity for us to show them the results of their investments, said GLEDC Executive Director Bert Cook. This is all driven by both Mayors (Ron Meer and Blair Milo), who work closely with us and the EDCMC to make the County better-run overall. La Porte Mayor Blair Milo pointed out that 1,123 new jobs had been created and 955 retained since the beginning of the previous GLEDC-EDCMC campaign in 2011. In all, $156,763,000 has been put into new investments and 163 retention visits had been made between her and Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer. Businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and this symbiotic relationship is important to the growth of both communities, Milo said. Examples of expansion in La Porte since 2011 include moving ahead with the NewPorte landing project and an expansion of Thomas Rose Industrial Park. Showman Supplies has also been Property Listings IMM Building 3002 North State Road 39, La Porte, IN 46350 Industrial Building- Light Industrial 39,780 Square Footage Rail Access Sale price $2,750,000 or Lease Price $5.00/sq. ft. NNN http://www.gledc.com/industrial-buildings/imm-building.html Trainor Glass Building 760 N. SR 212, Michigan City, IN 46360 Adaptable Corporate Office Space 20,064 Square Footage 66 Acres (3 Options) $1,300,000 (Building + 66 Acres) $728,000 (Building + 6.459 Acres) $572,000 (52 Acres Only) For more information contact EDCMC at 219-873-1211
news Page 2 responsible for 12 new jobs in La Porte through a relocation and expansion. Meer also thanked the investors, saying the partnership has helped create an environment that will make you want to expand here. Examples of recent expansion in Michigan City include the creation of 20 new jobs through a $1.3 million investment from IU Health that added 30,000 square feet to an already large area they occupied and the addition of LifeWorks Business Park (near I-94 and U.S. 421), which was the result of a strong partnership between Indiana University Health and Holladay Properties. Clarence Hulse, executive director of the ED- CMC, said that while both Michigan City and La Porte are investing heavily in their downtown areas because the young people here want to remain here and raise their kids here, both the EDCMC and GLEDC are pro-la Porte County, focusing on bringing jobs to both the cities and unincorporated areas. As the economy turns around, we at EDCMC are going to focus on housing and making sure there are more options for middle- to-upper income housing in Michigan City, he said. A brochure will be sent to about 300 companies, including the 62 that contributed to the previous campaign, said Bob Schaefer, president of Community Dynamics, who has helped spearhead the partnership between GLEDC and EDCMC. Following a question and answer session for Cook and Hulse, Schaefer asked impromptu who is in to the 125 business leaders in attendance Thursday, noting that the goal for the next campaign is $400,000, slightly more than what was raised over the last three years. We are in - we are definitely in, said Tom Edwards, representing Horizon Bank. And we are in too, shouted Don Babcock, director of economic development at NIPSCO before presenting a check to the EDCMC and GLEDC for $25,000. Aerospace Manufacturer Alcoa Grows in Indiana, Adds 300+ New Jobs Released May 29, 2014 Governor Mike Pence joined executives from Alcoa (NYSE: AA), a global aerospace manufacturer, today to announce the company s plans to expand its operations here, creating up to 329 new jobs by 2019. Hoosiers are expert builders, constructing airplane components and lifting our Indiana economy, said Pence. Indiana-manufactured goods serve industries in all corners of the world, reaching new heights in business and, for Alcoa, in the skies. With the Hoosier State s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, companies are able to find the resources they need to soar in Indiana, a state that works for business. Alcoa will invest $100 million to construct and equip a new 320,000-square-foot facility that will produce nickel-based superalloy jet engine parts. The facility will expand Alcoa s reach from structural engine components for business and regional jets to large commercial aircraft, including narrowand wide-body and military airplanes. Construction is underway on the plant, which will be adjacent to its current 200,000 square-foot La Porte operation. The plant will increase the company s capacity to supply engines for narrow-body aircraft, which are among the top selling jet engines in the world. It also will enable Alcoa to produce parts nearly 60 percent larger than components it makes today, expanding its market reach to wide-body airplanes. These components are used in the compression and hot sections of the engine. Alcoa is already the global leader in jet engine airfoils. Aerospace growth is soaring and Alcoa is ramping up our downstream capabilities to capture that demand, said Klaus Kleinfeld, chairman and chief executive officer of Alcoa. Applying our industry-leading expertise, this facility will deliver highly engineered parts our customers need to build some of the best-selling engines and at high volumes.
news Page 3 Founded more than 125 years ago, Alcoa employs approximately 60,000 people in 30 countries. In Indiana alone, the company employs more than 3,200 associates at three locations: Evansville, Lafayette and La Porte. Alcoa operates 27 manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, France, Japan and the United Kingdom. In 2013, the company had overall sales of $23 billion with its aerospace businesses producing $4 billion in revenue. The city of La Porte is proud to celebrate this momentous occasion with the Alcoa team, said La Porte Mayor Blair Milo. Over the years, La Porte and Alcoa have developed a strong partnership due to Alcoa s industry-leading status as well as its leadership role within our community. We are excited to grow that partnership in lock step as Alcoa continues to enjoy growth and success. Alcoa s La Porte facility, which was founded in 1957, manufactures highly engineered turbine components made of advanced nickel-based superalloys for jet engines, industrial gas turbines and other turbine-based transportation products. The La Porte facility currently has 470 associates. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Howmet Castings & Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Alcoa, up to $4,000,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of La Porte approved additional incentives at the request of Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation. This is the second major aerospace investment by Alcoa in Indiana in two years. In 2012, Alcoa announced construction of a $90 million greenfield aluminum lithium facility at its Lafayette operations, creating up to 75 new jobs. The facility is on schedule to open later this year and will be capable of producing upwards of 20,000 metric tons of Alcoa s patented aluminum-lithium alloys used to build dramatically lighter and lower-cost airplanes versus composite alternatives. Sandin Mfg. undergoes 28,000 sq. ft. expansion Longstanding, family-owned cable business remains in MC through support of partners Released: April 7, 2014 Sandin Manufacturing is expanding its Michigan City facility through the help of area partners, maintaining the family-owned business locally and creating new jobs. Sandin Manufacturing has been a leading supplier to the wire rope and cable industry for more than 50 years. Construction on the 28,000-square-foot metal addition begins immediately on their current 50,000-square-foot facility, located off of Ind. Hwy. 212 in northeast rural Michigan City. Construction on the expansion is expected to be completed this fall. In addition, Sandin Manufacturing will be adding eight new jobs to its current workforce. Hiring for the eight entry- to mid-level jobs will begin in winter 2014. The expansion was approved unanimously by the Michigan City Council at a meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2014. Mayor Ron Meer said, I am proud that the City of Michigan City administration and the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana were able to work together with Sandin Manufacturing to find an agreement that is mutually beneficial to both parties. It is exciting to see a hometown company, which began here over 50 years ago, grow into one of the leading global manufacturers of wire rope and cable products. The City of Michigan City looks forward to the bright partnership we have with Sandin Manufacturing as they continue growing and investing in our community. Sandin Manufacturing s expansion is credited to the longevity of the business as well as through support from area partners. Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana (EDCMC) addresses the needs of local businesses with the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR&E). Through the program, EDCMC and Sandin Manufacturing worked together to understand the local business climate, determine future expansion plans with local action, acquaint business executives with programs available through government agencies and provide effective solutions to specific concerns and problems along the way. EDCMC Executive Director, Clarence Hulse, said, EDCMC is instrumental in educating companies about what s available to them, right here in our community. There are many incentives to assist companies, making retention and expansion a seamless process.
news Page 4 Sandin Manufacturing looked around and came to the clear decision that Michigan City was the best place to do business, Hulse continued. The addition will allow the company to expand its scope of services and products even further. While the family has sold its products nationally since the late 1950s, the company recently received certification to export products to Europe. The Sandin family began manufacturing in Michigan City in August of 1957 with the formation of Sanlo Manufacturing. The original building was a 5,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on Ohio Street. As the business grew, the building expanded four times over the next 30 years before relocating to a new facility on Ind. Hwy. 212 in the 1990s. In addition, the Sandin family acquired Guardian Industries in 1977. The business was originally located on 2nd Street and later moved to Ohio Street. Guardian Industries currently continues to operate out of its new facility also located on Ind. Hwy. 212. In 2009, the Sandin family decided to re-enter the cable business and a ground breaking was held at current facility in September 2009. Since its inception, Sandin Manufacturing has grown from its initial 22 employees to its current workforce. Steady growth over the last four years has allowed the company to continue to expand today. For more information on Sandin Manufacturing, visit www.sandinmanufacturing.com. German Auto Components Supplier Adding Jobs in La Porte Released: April 16, 2014 Governor Mike Pence joined executives from the Jäger Group today to announce the company s plans to expand operations of its subsidiary Jaeger-Unitek Sealing Solutions in La Porte, Ind., creating up to 52 new jobs by 2016. The automotive industry is in high gear in the Hoosier State, said Pence. After visiting Jaeger-Unitek in La Porte earlier this month, it was a privilege to hear directly from Jäger Group s leadership in Germany that their next growth plans are on the horizon. Indiana s manufacturing job growth is among the highest in the nation because firms around the world like the Jäger Group continue to choose Indiana a state that works for new jobs, recognizing the strong manufacturing skills Hoosiers bring to their operations. The extrusion manufacturer will invest $4.5 million to lease, renovate and equip a 137,000 square-foot facility at 115 Koomler Drive in La Porte, increasing its operational space with the new facility by 50,000 square feet. The facility, which will be fully operational by August, will allow the company to add three additional thermoplastic extrusion lines and provide space for further expansion of its rubber and plastic extrusion capabilities. Jaeger-Unitek, which specializes in rubber extrusion components used in window, door and sunroof assemblies for the automotive industry, currently employs approximately 75 full-time Indiana associates as part of the Jäger Group s more than 1,000 employees across five countries. As part of the expansion, it has already begun recruiting, hiring and training for engineering, finance, production and maintenance positions. We believe Indiana is the best place for this investment. The state is much stronger logistically and from an infrastructure point of view than many other parts of the country, said Marius Jäger, managing director of the Jäger Group. We look forward to supporting Jaeger-Unitek as it continues to grow. Founded in 2006 as UniTek Sealing Solutions, Germany s Jäger Group purchased the company in 2010 and shortly after announced plans to grow the La Porte operations, doubling its employment and investing more than $3 million to add rubber and thermoplastic injection molding, cryogenic deflashing and robotic inspection. Today, Jaeger-Unitek serves Asian, European and American automakers, specializing in rubber and plastic extruded and injection molded components used in window, door and sunroof assemblies. The company s sales have tripled since 2010 and by the end of 2016 are expected to exceed $20 million. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Jaeger-Unitek Sealing Solutions, Inc. up to $500,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of La Porte approved additional incentives at the request of the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation. The city of La Porte is thrilled to be able to celebrate the announcement of Jaeger s expansion plans within our community. This project highlights the importance of local retention and expansion efforts and identifies
news Page 5 the accomplishments that can be achieved through the partnerships that exist between local and state governments and our business community, said La Porte Mayor Blair Milo. Jaeger, and the Jäger family especially, should be commended for their commitment to La Porte and the state of Indiana despite strong interest from other states. Pence is leading a targeted-job hunting trip to Germany this week to meet with German companies that currently have operations in Indiana, like the Jäger Group, and prospective companies considering future investments in the Hoosier State. More information about the governor s jobs and economic development mission can be found at: http://in.gov/gov/germany2014.htm. The companies of the Jäger Group have been supplying components, parts and sub-systems of rubber, plastic, rubber to metal or plastic composite materials for more than 60 years. The individual companies of the Jäger Group complement each other s product lines and areas of technical expertise. They will achieve the highest level of added value for their customers through constant innovation, cost to performance leadership and premier customer service from the initial product idea to finished product delivery. EDCMC Finalizes Strategic Initiative Long-term plan outlines action towards creating sustainable business environment Released: April 22, 2014 Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana (EDCMC) finalized a long-term strategic initiative highlighting action items towards creating a local sustainable business environment. EDCMC announced the organization was embarking upon a process to develop a comprehensive strategic initiative in April 2013. Since then, EDCMC outlined a step-by-step plan of action towards a healthier and more competitive marketplace in Michigan City. EDCMC commissioned Dean Uminski, a local resident, of Crowe Horwath LLP one of the largest public accounting and consulting firms in the nation. Crowe Horwath maintains local offices throughout Northern Indiana and the Chicagoland area. The strategic initiative is primarily funded by EDCMC. EDCMC Executive Director Clarence Hulse said, Michigan City has many great assets. We have identified those assets and are using them to promote the city. We re promoting our city s downtown and proximity to Chicago to attract more business and to create more high quality jobs. This is a blueprint to follow to move Michigan City forward and improve the quality of life for residents. The strategic initiative with action items are the result of a 10-month study through collaborative taskforce committee meetings. EDCMC initiated the innovative process, which brought together stakeholders to form the five taskforce committees. Each team consisted of approximately 10 to 25 business, civic, educational and community leaders. The EDCMC Board of Directors unanimously adopted the following economic development opportunities at a meeting April 11: 1. Workforce Development & Education align workforce development and education with existing, targeted industry needs Established state s first Career Connections construction/carpentry program, offering La Porte County high school students hands-on training for dual credit and direct entry into an apprenticeship program with partner A.K. Smith Career Center and local business leaders in November 2013 Collaborating with Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana to develop and implement a trade and logistics program for Michigan City Energy Academy Partnership between NIPSCO and the La Porte Co. Career & Tech Education to prepare area students for high-demand jobs in the electronics, energy and utility industries 2. Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) ensure local businesses receive necessary support and attention to needs/issues to compete in global marketplace
news Page 6 Renewing Urban Enterprise Zone to stimulate local community and business redevelopment in distressed areas through eligible tax benefits Reviewing existing abatement policy for deductions on improvements to property or equipment Enhanced BR&E survey visits to gain understanding of business community s needs 3. Business Attraction & Development attract and develop prospects compatible with local business environment and long-term strategy; partner with regional organizations with strategic plans aligned with EDCMC goals for business attraction and development Relocated and recruited Calumet Pallet Co. Inc. to Michigan City throughout fall 2013 Relocated D. Martin Enterprises manufacturing to Michigan City from Chicago Heights, Ill. Planning future industrial/business parks 4. Integration with Community Development implement and execute seamless strategies and programs with both economic development and community development driving systemic change Working with community partners to coordinate solutions for the people who are homeless in La Porte County Exploring housing options for seniors, workforce, etc. Recommended the implementation of a community branding initiative Circle of Investors Spotlight Horizon is a community bank serving Northern and Central Indiana, as well as Southern Michigan. Their focus is to anticipate and fulfill customer needs with exceptional service and sensible advice. This philosophy has kept Horizon Bank operating under their original charter and growing stronger than ever since 1873. Horizon s experienced team of banking, investment, trust and mortgage experts are ready to guide their customers through a complete range of financial services everything you need to help make sound financial decisions that can help your family find prosperity and security. With 140 years of experience in providing personalized community-based banking services, you can trust Horizon Bank to continue in the 21st Century to meet each customer s individual financial needs today and in the future with comprehensive and convenient financial services. La Porte County Locations: Horizon Bank La Porte 1500 W. Lincolnway La Porte, IN 46350 219-324-0456 Horizon Bank Franklin Square 515 Franklin Sq. Michigan City, IN 46360 219-873-2640 Horizon Bank-South Franklin 3631 S. Franklin St. Michigan City, IN 46360 219-874-9397 Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation 809 Washington Street, Suite A La Porte, IN 46350 (219) 324-8584 www.gledc.com Economic Development Corporation - Michigan City Two Cadence Park plaza, Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 873-1211 www.edcmc.com