New Tenant For Former Michiana Event Center
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowMichigan-based Morgan Olson LLC has announced plans to expand operations in northeast Indiana. The walk-in van manufacturer will invest $2 million to set up shop in the former Michiana Event Center facility in Howe.
The LaGrange County Economic Development Corp. did not immediately state if any jobs would be created as a result of the expansion. Morgan Olson says it plans to have interior renovations and installation of new equipment complete and have the facility fully operational by the end of the year.
The company says growing demand led to the expansion.
"When we began the search for sites for future expansion, Howe really stood out," said Mike Ownbey, chief operating officer of Morgan Olson. "The logistical advantages of operating adjacent to the Indiana Toll Road, along with State Road 9 and the close proximity to our existing facilities in Sturgis, Michigan made this facility a perfect option for us."
The LaGrange County EDC has offered a $40,000 grant to help cover the costs of secondary access road on the property. The organization says that road will also serve future users of an undeveloped section of the property.
The facility was recently vacated after the operators of the Michiana Event Center decided to move from Howe to Shipshewana. The move was one of several projects in northeast Indiana to receive Regional Cities Initiative funding.