4/27/2006
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, Mayor’s Office, 327-3690
John Walker, The Indy Partnership, 317-464-5413
Weston Sedgwick, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, 317-232-8873 |
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New jobs, investment coming to Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood
Mayor, state and business leaders cut ribbon on new business, break ground on another as progress continues at Keystone Enterprise Park
INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson joined business leaders, neighborhood residents and state officials today to mark a major milestone in the development of Keystone Enterprise Park, a 62-acre multi-use business park built to bring new jobs and private investment to the near northeast side.
City and state officials broke ground on the park’s newest business, Hoosier Gasket, which will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations and build a new facility on 8.8-acres, creating 75 new jobs while retaining 119, and investing more than $8 million.
Officials also marked the opening of a new facility on 2.5-acres for Horning Roofing and Sheet Metal Company, which moved its operations to Keystone Enterprise Park, bringing nearly 50 jobs to the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood.
"Today’s announcement showcases the tremendous progress of Keystone Enterprise Park and our effort to bring new jobs and major investment to a neighborhood that had seen neither in decades," Mayor Peterson said. "We are attracting businesses, including Horning Roofing and Hoosier Gasket, that are committed to reaching out and providing job opportunities to near-by residents. That is how this park will have its biggest impact on the everyday lives of people."
Roosevelt Harper, a resident of Martindale-Brightwood since 1975, says his new job at Hoosier Gasket has brought stability to his life.
"The events of 9/11 hit hard at the manufacturing company I was working for at the time, and I was laid-off in 2003," said Harper, who now works as a press operator. "Working for Hoosier Gasket has been a good experience and has certainly filled a gap in my life. I feel stable and comfortable here."
The Indianapolis Private Industries Council partnered with the city to manage the process of reaching out to neighborhood residents, working with neighborhood service providers and employment agencies to find near-by residents who are qualified for available jobs in the park.
Built on 62-acres of blighted, under-utilized land near the exit of I-70 and Keystone Avenue, Keystone Enterprise Park has attracted six new businesses and prompted the expansion of one existing company since the city broke ground on the park in 2002. In total, the park has brought more than 400 jobs to the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, 161 of which are newly created. All but 12 of the 62-acres are under contract.
The City of Indianapolis partnered with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Indianapolis Economic Development (a division of The Indy Partnership), and the Indianapolis Urban Enterprise Association to put together an incentive package to keep Hoosier Gasket in Indianapolis and lure them to Keystone Enterprise Park. The top tier automotive supplier - a major business partner with Indiana-based Cummins Inc. and Allison Transmission - was being heavily courted by South Carolina to move its operations south.
" ‘Gamecock Gasket’ does not have the same ring to it that Hoosier Gasket has," said Ben Jackson, vice president of Hoosier Gasket. "In all seriousness, with the package put together by the city and state, it made good business-sense to stay here. We’re a locally-grown, family-owned business with an excellent core group of employees, and we are thrilled to be able to continue growing our company here and add more quality people to our workforce."
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered economic development incentives, including up to $62,000 in training grants and up to $425,000 in tax credits based on anticipated employment and capital investment levels. The city has offered to transfer an existing five-year tax abatement worth $95,000 from Hoosier Gasket’s current facility to their new site in the park. The Metropolitan Development Commission will vote to finalize that transfer in May.
"Decisions like the one Hoosier Gasket is making to continue to invest in Indiana reflects a growing confidence in the business climate in our state," said Michael S. Maurer, Secretary of Commerce and IEDC president. "We’re working hard to grow and strengthen our economy, but we still have a long way to go."
Horning Roofing moved to Keystone Enterprise Park to accommodate its expanding business, investing more than $750,000 in its new building. The 50-year-old company has been an industry leader, providing roofing services for both residential and commercial development.
Horning Roofing General Manager Ron Phelps quipped that he was especially glad to welcome their neighbor, Hoosier Gasket, to the park. His company will perform the roofing work on Hoosier Gasket’s new building.
Another new business, Vision Direct, will soon open its doors just to the west of Horning Roofing in Keystone Enterprise Park. This full service direct mail firm, which works with advertising agencies, printers and local businesses and universities to develop targeted direct mail projects, will bring 26 jobs to the park.
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About IED
Indianapolis Economic Development is a member of The Indy Partnership, a privately-funded, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening economic and job growth in the 11-county Indianapolis Region - Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Shelby and Tippecanoe counties. Located in Indianapolis, The Indy Partnership has a full-time professional staff ready to assist clients interested in business expansion or relocation in the Indianapolis Region. More information is available at www.indypartnership.com.
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