Advanced Manufacturing

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING IN EAST CENTRAL INDIANA

“Market Central” for North America*

The region’s legacy of “making things” has produced a base of talent and companies who can build things and solve mechanical, operation, and process challenges.  This legacy of manufacturing innovation and skilled workforce provides the foundation for advanced manufacturing in target industries where the region is most able to innovate in the new economy.

Several long-standing manufacturers continue to exist within the region while new and expanding operations have sought the available space and logistical ease of interstate-accessible industrial parks and buildings. 

Auto Suppliers – Region is Central to Customers

East Central Indiana’s concentration of small and mid-sized Tier 1 and 2 auto suppliers, small tool and die shops, metal benders and auto part manufacturers supply over thirty auto assembly plants within 400 miles of the region.  This foundation of the regional economy contributes to the region’s expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities serving the auto industry, especially in powertrain and related technologies.

Infrastructure

Traversed by Interstate 69 (a planned NAFTA trade route) and Interstate 70, the region lays within a well-connected triangle of connectivity affording easy access to Indianapolis and nearby metro areas including Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, Columbus, Louisville and St. Louis.  The region is well served by dedicated north-south and east-west rail lines as well as several airports.  The region is also located along the I-Light Fiber Optic Network, providing access to the country’s fiber backbone.

Innovation and Higher Education Capacity

The region includes Ball State University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Taylor University, Indiana University East, Earlham College and a Purdue College of Technology campuses along with six Ivy Tech Community College locations – all serving the workforce needs of the region. These colleges offer a continual source of young innovators and entrepreneurs, faculty and students that come from across the globe, and a rich array of programs and research that support innovation.

In addition to these campuses, the region offers business incubators and collaborative workspace like MadJax and the Innovation Connector in Muncie in providing the offices, equipment, training and access to capital needed in order to get start-ups off the ground.