State exports face drop in 2012, after 2011 record
Indiana’s exports are going strong this year but may not be enough to break a record of $32 billion in exports set last year.
Manufacturing
Articles
Scale Computing new storage unit with server could play in $5B market
Local firm’s new data center is seen as an alternative to so-called “virtualization” trend.
Duo introduces app for hairstylists
Founders of MyBestFriendsHair.com aim to help professionals manage client information.
Honda investing $40M in Greensburg, adding 300 jobs
Honda Manufacturing of Indiana LLC, a division of Japan-based Honda Motor Co., said on Wednesday that it will invest $40 million in its Greensburg plant and hire 300 employees later this year as it ramps up production of its compact cars.
Indiana can’t collect on IBM welfare lawsuit, judge rules
Indiana cannot collect millions of dollars it claims IBM owed after its efforts to overhaul the state’s welfare system failed, and the computer giant is entitled to payment for equipment the state kept, a judge said in a Wednesday ruling that condemned both sides.
Westfield health IT firm sold for $473 million
MaxIT’s 1,300 employees, who provide information technology services to hospitals and physician practices, will join Virginia-based Science Applications International Corp.
BrightPoint settles two suits against rival Brightstar
Both lawsuits involved former BrightPoint executives hired by Brightstar who had access to the local firm’s innermost workings and strategies. The suits, filed in Marion Superior Court, were dismissed Wednesday.
Chrysler seeks $2.5M utility deposit from Duke Energy Indiana
The automaker is asking the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to look into its dispute with Duke Energy—and order the utility to return a deposit it required to keep the power on at Chrysler's Kokomo plants.
Manufacturer growing Shelby County plant
California-based manufacturer DrillingWorld plans to expand its operations in Shelbyville, adding as many as 30 jobs by 2015.
Finish Line’s high-tech store prototype still has kinks
A prototype store launched by athletic shoe and apparel retailer The Finish Line Inc. on May 25 aims to use technology to marry brick-and-mortar to the company’s online operation. But interactive tablets that are a centerpiece of the so-called omnichannel strategy are not yet up and running.
Hoosier economic engine poised to downshift
Hoosier employers added jobs faster than those in all U.S. states except two through the end of May, according to federal estimates.
Massive unused Tipton plant goes back on the market
The never-occupied 781,500-square-foot facility is on the market for $39.5 million, a steep discount from the original cost of roughly $100 million. The plant was built to manufacture auto transmissions. A plan to make solar panels at the site also collapsed.
Rolls-Royce wins $183M Army contract
The British manufacturer, which produces aircraft engines in Indianapolis, has scored a $183 million contract to service engines for the U.S. Army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior scout helicopters, the company announced Monday morning.
BrightPoint’s $840M sale ends wild ride for CEO Laikin
Bob Laikin started BrightPoint in 1989, when cellular phones were clunky and brick-like and were mostly for the wealthy.
Drought deals blow to ethanol industry
Indiana’s 13 plants distilling the automotive fuel ethanol could soon be sputtering as drought dries up the supply and boosts the price of corn, their main ingredient.
Manufacturers help schools fill training void
Manufacturers—bedeviled by an underskilled labor force—seek highly trained graduates. Career centers—struggling with funding cuts—seek support from companies so classes can keep operating.
Carmakers report strong June sales after May slowdown
From mini cars to monster pickups, sales of vehicles charged higher in June and eased concerns that Americans would be turned off by slower hiring and other scary headlines.
Bus seat maker to start production in Indiana
A German company that makes passenger seats for buses and trains plans to start its first U.S. manufacturing facility in northern Indiana, creating up to 62 jobs.
UPDATE: BrightPoint sale follows tough stretch for firm
Given the soft cell phone market and Brightpoint’s recent struggles, a sale to California-based Ingram Micro for about $840 million makes sense, analysts say. The two companies announced the acquisition early Monday morning.
UPDATE: Brightpoint’s planned sale spawns uncertainty
The $840M deal, which would eliminate one of Indiana’s six Fortune 500 companies, is casting uncertainty over Hendricks County, where the company is one of the largest employers.