CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Indianapolis-based Closure Systems International Inc., which makes plastic caps for a variety of beverages and automotive fluids, says it is expanding of its Crawfordsville manufacturing facility and creating 50 new jobs. The company says it will invest approximately $25 million in the construction of a 200,000-square-foot addition and installation of new manufacturing equipment.
CSI says it undertook a year-long process to see if constructing a new plant would be the best option, but instead it chose to expand its existing plant in Montgomery County. The plant currently employs 260 workers.
“We are excited to increase our footprint in Crawfordsville, where we have maintained a strong presence for many decades,” said Floyd Needham, president and chief executive officer of CSI. “The plant’s culture and our employees’ dedication to making this plant successful differentiated this location and solidified our decision to expand the facility.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. says it is committing up to $1.3 million in incentive-based tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans, which also includes 10 new jobs for its office in Indianapolis.
CSI says it’s also seeking tax abatement from the city of Crawfordsville. Pending approval, the company says it will break ground this spring.
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Indiana University Health is awarding $4.3 million to organizations throughout the state in an effort to boost housing and training needs among Hoosiers. One of those awards is a three-year, $1 million grant to Indianapolis-based Eleven Fifty Academy to open satellite campuses in 10 counties, including a location at the Fusion 54 coworking space in Crawfordsville.
The nonprofit coding academy will use the space to provide technology training and digital literacy to individuals looking to improve their job skills and earn a higher income.
“Eleven Fifty Academy has a proven record of quickly enhancing the earning power of those completing their program and I am very pleased that local residents will now have the opportunity to take advantage of this program so close to home,” said Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton. “Skills in technology are critically important to our local employers and we’ve heard from numerous local industry leaders of a need for precisely this type of upskilling. This is a huge win in positioning Crawfordsville as a competitor in today’s world of rapidly changing technology while giving local residents the chance to advance their careers.”
Fusion 54 is located in downtown Crawfordsville and was established as part of the Stellar Communities designation the city received in 2015. Officials cut the ribbon on the facility in 2018.
Eleven Fifty will also open satellite campuses in Tippecanoe, Clinton, Cass, White, Benton, Fountain, Warren, Carroll and Pulaski counties.
The funding comes from IU Health’s Community Impact Investment Fund. You can learn more about all of the grant recipients from IU Health by clicking here.
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Kentucky-based Tempur Sealy International Inc. (NYSE: TPX) will Thursday break ground on its 700,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Crawfordsville. The bedding products manufacturer in June announced plans to invest $138 million to construct the plant and create 300 jobs by the end of 2025.
The company says the facility will produce a variety of bedding products and components, and will also enhance its ability to serve customers in the northeast part of the country. The plant will have room for further expansion up to 1 million square feet.
The facility will be Tempur Sealy’s third foam pouring manufacturing plant in the U.S. and fourth in the world. Construction is expected to be complete by 2023.
Tempur Sealy executives will be joined by Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton and representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and Montgomery County Commissioners for the groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday.
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Kentucky-based Tempur Sealy International Inc. (NYSE: TPX) has announced plans to establish its fourth foam pouring manufacturing facility in Montgomery County. The bedding products manufacturer says it will invest more than $138 million to build and equip a 700,000-square-foot facility in Crawfordsville and create about 300 jobs by the end of 2025. The company says the facility will enhance its ability to service customers in the northeastern United States.
Construction on the plant is slated to begin this fall. Tempur Sealy says the facility, which will manufacture a variety of bedding products and components, will have room for further expansion up to 1 million square feet.
“After a thorough site search and evaluation process, we have identified Crawfordsville, Indiana, as the ideal location for our new operations,” Scott Thompson, chairman and chief executive officer of Tempur Sealy, said in a news release. “We selected this location based on the robust business climate fostered by the state and local government, the quality of life the city of Crawfordsville provides its citizens and the property’s access to major transportation routes.”
Tempur Sealy employs some 8,000 workers around the world. The company plans to begin hiring for management, supervisory, administrative and staff positions later this year.
The facility, which will sit on 130 acres in Crawfordsville, is expected to begin production in 2023.
“We’re thrilled Tempur Sealy International has selected Montgomery County as the destination for its state-of-the-art foam pouring facility,” said John Frey, president of Montgomery County Commissioners. “We’ve worked hard to build an infrastructure foundation to support industrial growth, and Tempur’s location decision is proof that we are on the right path.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. plans to offer Tempur Sealy up to $2.5 million in conditional tax credits, which the company will not be eligible to claim until Hoosier workers are hired for the new jobs. Additionally, the IEDC will offer up to $1.1 million in Hoosier Business Investment tax credits based on the company’s planned capital investment and up to $450,000 to the local community to support infrastructure improvements.
The incentives must still be approved by the IEDC Board of Directors. Montgomery County will consider additional incentives.
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – Wabash College says professors Laura Wysocki and Sara Drury will lead a study on the impacts of deliberation on undergraduate STEM education. The study is being funded by a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
The college says the study aims to determine whether deliberative pedagogy enhances scientific learning, encourages a deliberative mindset, and deepens students’ sense of civic engagement.
“Our research shows that students in a non-majors chemistry classroom participating in a deliberation module gain confidence and knowledge about chemistry topics while making connections to complex problems facing society and understanding their urgency,” said Wysocki. “This grant allows us to develop deliberations for science majors – students who will be technical experts in the future with a need to engage the public for more inclusive decision making. It also enables collaboration with other institutions to discover if the positive results seen in our classrooms can be replicated in different environments, which could impact science education more broadly.”
Wabash says the project will expose undergraduate STEM students to deliberative pedagogy, an approach that teaches respectful conversations by speaking with, and not just talking to, diverse stakeholders.
“This award is an opportunity to learn more about how critical conversations can lead to innovative, collaborative decision-making,” said Drury. “The activities in this grant challenge students to consider their roles in socio-scientific issues, reflect on the stakes for and needs of diverse publics, and engage possibilities for working together to improve our shared future.”
The study’s goal is to engage a diverse group of students in multiple educational settings to better prepare graduates to enter the STEM workforce and become engaged citizens.
The funding will also provide opportunities for Wabash undergraduate students to take part in academic year and summer research internships. The college says the grant also provides funding for student internships at other campuses, as well.
NEW MARKET, Ind. (WISH) — A 14-year-old boy has died from injuries received when the truck he was in struck two other vehicles on the shoulder of State Road 47 on Sunday night, Indiana State Police said.
Andrew Thompson, of Waveland, was taken from the crash scene to Franciscan Health Crawfordsville hospital, where he died from his injuries, said a news release from state police.
State police were called just before 8:45 p.m. Sunday to State Road 47 near Montgomery County Road 700 South. That’s about 2 miles southwest of New Market.
Thompson was riding in a Dodge Ram 1500 truck driven by Keith Brock, 69, of Waveland. They were southbound on State Road 47 approaching the county road when, for unknown reasons, the truck struck the two vehicles parked on the shoulder, a 1998 Dodge Ram and a small Ford dump truck.
Brock was taken to Franciscan Health Crawfordsville and later flown to St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital by helicopter.
Blake High, 29, of Waveland, and Donald Peters, 39, of Crawfordsville, were struck while standing outside of the vehicles on the shoulder. They were taken to Franciscan Health Crawfordsville.
Trooper Corey E. Brown with the Lafayette post of the state police said in an email response to News 8 that the conditions of the people sent to hospitals were not known late Monday afternoon.
A third person seated in one of the disabled vehicles was not injured. State police did not identify that person in their news release.
State Road 47 was closed about three hours for the investigation and crash cleanup.
WAYNETOWN, Ind. (WISH) — Two women in Montgomery County hope their efforts to back the blue will carry across the country.
Bonnie Mills and Mindy Byers have sold hundreds of signs to support police.
On Friday, the pair went to the annual Waynetown Fish Fry to try and sell hundreds more. Mills, who is the mother of an officer, said her goal was to show police people care.
“Everywhere across the nation, these guys are personal and most of them very caring guys,” Mills said.
She said she understands why some people are calling for changes to policing but added that most officers are in the profession for the right reasons.
Mills began her project to paint the town blue with just 50 signs. Those sold quickly.
She stopped in the Montgomery County Courthouse in Crawfordsville to sell a few, and that’s when Mindy Byers jumped on her sign-selling team. The two said their efforts have already traveled across state lines.
“I had a request for more than 20 just on the drive in here today, so it’s been a real good reception,” Byers said.
Byers has no personal connection to law enforcement, but, after recently going through a difficult situation, said she can’t imagine a world without police.
“Twelve weeks ago tonight, my cousin’s daughter had been killed, so it was all very fresh. We rely on those officers to go into those situations like that that are very scary and we rely on them to do the work that they have to do for justice,” Byers said.
The money raised will go back into buying more signs. The two will be selling signs at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Kroger grocery in Crawfordsville.
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – Wabash College President Gregory Hess says the college is preparing its campus for the return of students this fall. In a letter to students, faculty and staff, Hess said the college will begin the semester two weeks earlier than scheduled, among other adjustments.
Planning has been advised by the school’s COVID Response Team, Healthy Campus Task Force, and Academic Policy Committee, along with guidance from campus healthcare professionals and public health agencies.
“We know that this year will be very different for all of us, but by working together – and trusting one another – we are confident we can deliver an exceptional education for all of our students,” said Hess.
The college plans to implement the following schedule for the fall semester:
- Aug. 7-8: New students move into living units (scheduled and staggered)
- Aug. 9: Ringing-In Ceremony for new students (live-streamed for family members)
- Aug. 10-11: Remaining upperclassmen move into living units (scheduled and staggered)
- Aug. 12: Classes begin
- Nov. 17: Classes end
- Nov. 18-24: Final exams
“We will eliminate fall break so that final exams can take place before Thanksgiving break. The early start gives us our best opportunity to complete the fall semester in residence. We have mobilized across campus to meet the challenges that face us when we return to residential operations. We also know that experts agree that education is part of any mitigation strategy,” stated Hess.
As part of the college’s planning efforts the Student Health Center is putting in place protocols for symptom monitoring for all students, faculty, and staff. Protocols include COVID testing for symptomatic students, isolation of those who are ill, and contact tracing utilizing campus personnel and local and state health department employees.
The campus will be educated on best practices for maintaining individual and community health. Everyone will be required to follow the guidance of our health experts on topics such as face coverings and masks, safe physical distancing from others, monitoring and prompt reporting of symptoms, COVID testing, and other effective disease mitigation strategies.
Wabash says plans are being finalized for how classes will be conducted. Many classes will be taught in larger rooms to allow for physical distance between students and faculty. Other classes will be taught in spaces other than traditional classrooms. Some classes may institute a so-called “hyflex” approach: students will alternately attend class in person, while others participate virtually from their living units.
The college says it is working with North Coast Athletic Conference member schools, conference leadership, and the NCAA to determine the appropriate steps for resuming intercollegiate athletics. Under current guidance, fall sport participants would arrive on campus the same days as non-athletes.
Other efforts being initiated by the school include:
- All students are expected to meet specific expectations outlined in the Gentleman’s Compact to reduce the medical risks of returning to campus and, once on campus, reduce the spread of the virus.
- The Sodexo team is working on maintenance and deep-cleaning of living units. All rooms have been emptied and will be reconfigured according to guidance from health experts. The school is working with its food service providers, Bon Appetit and the fraternity cooks, to plan for the safe preparation and distribution of meals for all students.
- The ability to host events such as the Visiting Artists Series, theatrical productions, concerts, large campus events, and athletic competitions will be limited.
The college says its planning efforts will continue through the start of the fall semester. Wabash expects to release additional information over the coming weeks.
You can find more information by clicking here.
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Scott Feller has been elected by the Wabash College Board of Trustees to serve as the 17th president in school history. Feller has served as Dean of the College at Wabash since 2014 and as a professor of Chemistry since 1998. Dr. Feller was unanimously elected during the Trustees’ May 16 meeting.
“Wabash has been fortunate to have Scott and his wife, Wendy, on our team for over 20 years, and I have personally experienced firsthand the attributes that make Scott the best-qualified person to be our 17th president,” said Jay R. Allen, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Feller replaces Gregory Hess, who announced his resignation in March, after serving as Wabash president since 2013.
“I am humbled by the trust the Board has placed in me and look forward to continuing the good work underway at the College,” Dr. Feller said. “The beauty of the strategic objectives we laid out seven years ago is they are timeless and exemplify our mission: we focus on the intellectual and personal development and success of each and every Wabash student. I have been excited to be a part of this work and look forward to continuing it as president.”
An Indiana-based intermediate care services provider is one of four companies acquired by Texas-based Caregiver Inc. Financial terms of the deal for Houston Group Homes Inc. were not disclosed.
Houston Group Homes operates five intermediate care group homes in Montgomery and Boone counties for people with mental disabilities. According to the company’s website, the company helps to provide skills training to ensure those it serves are ready for community living.
The company employs about 40 workers. Caregiver did not specify whether those jobs would be negatively affected.
“Strategically, we’ve found like-minded high-quality service providers who were looking for the right partner to take their business to the next level,” said Gary Nettis Jr., chief development officer of Caregiver. “We’re excited to round out our portfolio offerings and continue to provide with compassion and respect the best services possible to vulnerable populations.”
Cargiver is a long-term care services provider for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The company also acquired Cori Care and Absolute Care, both headquartered in Ohio, as well as Personal Care Choices in Tennessee. Financial details of those acquisitions were also not disclosed.