Trade tensions put Indiana farmers and manufacturers in crosshairs
As the United States and China face off over tariffs and trade policy, some of Indiana’s most important industries are right at the center of the dispute.
Manufacturing
Articles
Zero-percent auto loan era fading into America’s rearview mirror
Carmakers that used zero-percent financing offers to juice sales at the height of the American auto boom are starting to abandon them as rising interest rates lift their own borrowing costs.
Calumet suffers $84M loss in revised quarterly earnings report
Indianapolis-based Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP suffered a bigger loss in the fourth quarter than the company originally reported almost four weeks ago.
Trump administration moves to cut Obama-era fuel-efficiency rules
The Trump administration announced that fuel-efficiency regulations for cars and light trucks are too stringent and must be revised.
LDI adds Indiana-based firm to its portfolio with new acquisition
Indianapolis-based LDI, which invests in middle-market businesses, is rebuilding its portfolio after losing ownership of Motorsport Aftermarket Group late last year.
World’s biggest toymakers aren’t having much fun these days
There’s trouble in toyland. Sales at the world’s three biggest toymakers—Lego A/S, Hasbro Inc. and Mattel Inc.—slumped during the crucial 2017 holiday season, and the outlook for 2018 isn’t much better.
Jeffboat to close Ohio River shipyard next month
Barge and towboat manufacturer Jeffboat will be ending ship-building operations at the site that stretch back more than 180 years.
Two manufacturers plan new plants in Whitestown, nearly 200 jobs
A food-packaging maker and one of the world’s largest bearing manufacturers have plans to spend more than $22 million and lease more than 400,000 square feet of space in Boone County if tax incentives are approved.
U.S. durable goods orders rise at fastest pace since June
Led by a surge in demand for commercial aircraft, U.S. orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rebounded in February.
Soup maker answers call for locally made goods
Lisa Sprunger founded frozen-soup company Urban Ladle in the kitchen of her north-side home, nurturing it into a line of seven frozen soups sold at various, mostly Indiana, retailers.
Kelley School launching manufacturing research center at IUPUI
In addition to conducting research, the IU Kelley School Center for Excellence in Manufacturing is expected to “provide strategic and leadership training” for MBA and undergraduate students.
Indiana craft beer industry paying attention to Trump tariffs
The tariff will result in higher prices for the metal used in beer cans. Brewers might have to consider bottling some beers if aluminum prices become too high to absorb.
UPDATE: Manufacturer SMC planning $68M expansion in Noblesville
The largest private employer in Noblesville is planning a mammoth new facility and dozens of new jobs at its North American headquarters campus.
Lebanon manufacturer planning $5 million expansion
The company said it would spend $1.3 million to build a 19,000-square-foot addition and another $3.65 million to equip it.
Food processor to hire 100 more workers in Indiana
SugarCreek Packing Company announced Wednesday that the new hires would be made by late June 2019, boosting the plants workforce to about 500 workers.
Memory Bank: Mallory factory whirs with activity in 1943
At its height in the 1960s, the P.R. Mallory building on Washington Street had 1,500 workers.
New Carmel-based venture fund to invest $50M in security products, technology
The fund, launched by the security-products company Allegion Plc, plans to pursue investments globally. But a spokeswoman said, “Indianapolis' thriving tech industry makes this the perfect time and place to launch the tech-focused fund.”
Carmel-based Splenda maker to relocate headquarters, add jobs
Heartland Food Products Group said it plans to leave its offices at Clay Terrace for a bigger headquarters within 18 months. The move would allow the firm to add about 130 employees.
Manufacturer plans $72 million plant, 89 jobs in Lebanon
The company that makes the water-soluble film used to create products such as Tide Pods and Cascade ActionPacs plans to break ground on the 150,000-square-foot manufacturing plant this summer.
New Conexus CEO wants Hoosier businesses to embrace cutting-edge technology
Former Angie’s List COO J. Mark Howell is looking for ways to help the state’s advanced-manufacturing and logistics industries navigate a changing technology landscape.