Report: Nearly 1,200 Jobs Added in LaPorte County
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The LaPorte County Office of Community and Economic Development’s annual report found 1,200 jobs were added in the county last year. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report eight business expansions are primarily responsible for the workforce boom.
Collectively, E-PAK Machinery, Dwyer Instruments, OTECH, A&A Sheet Metal, Sims Meats, Alexander Chemical and Vanair will create about 240 new jobs, while Corsicana’s mattress factory is expected to create 350 permanent full-time jobs.
“We have had significant growth in our boxed bed business and require a facility that is appropriately equipped with well-trained employees to provide the manufacturing efficiency to support that growth,” said Corsicana Chief Executive Officer Michael Thompson. “Indiana was a great location for us and the local, regional and state agencies we worked with have been very helpful and welcoming throughout this process.”
The Midwest Trade Center in Westville was fully leased after it opened last June, and according to the report, tenants such as Dollar General, Lippert Component Parts, Pratt Industries, Tonn and Blank Construction and Cash’s Cleaning Services are expected to employ nearly 600 people.
“Focusing on business retention and expansion first and foremost, increasing the base wages, diversifying our tax base, spurring increased supplier activities are all core tenants to successful economic development,” said Director Tony Rodriguez. “As we continue to successfully land deals that will generate housing development, create advanced manufacturing and technology-based, high wage jobs and redevelop areas that have been designated Tax Increment Financing Districts we seek your support and partnership for these projects that we intend to bring in front of you for your consideration.”
The office says it has also had 43 requests for more information for projects that would result in $25.5 billion in investment and add more than 40,000 jobs.