Automaker bringing new life to town

CONNERSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - A new company may restore jobs in southeastern Indiana.

Two years ago, the main employer in Connersville shut down. The Ford-supplier Visteon had employed nearly 900 people in this town of 15,000.

"It was terrible," said Connersville resident Raetta Bullard. "It was like seeing an old friend die.”

"Everybody who has grown up in this town has moved away from this town because of no jobs," said Connersville resident Lacey Isaacs.

When Visteon closed, it impacted the entire city. A number of other businesses closed their doors as well. The current unemployment rate in the county is nearly 16%.

Carbon Motors, a startup auto company, announced Wednesday that it plans to locate a production line in Connersville.

The company wants to make high-tech police cars, but needs to secure federal funding.

It also has to address environmental concerns at the plant. Carbon Motors is still not clear how it will obtain the facility in the aftermath of Visteon's bankruptcy filing.

None of those uncertainties has left the people in Connersville feeling uncertain themselves.

"It's just a thrill to see that much interest in something happening here," said Nancy Burke, a Connersville resident.

Bullard said she sees brighter days ahead.

"And so now with Carbon Motors coming in, it's like someone has resurrected the old friend and we have another chance."