TOP BUSINESS STORIES Northeast Indiana Update.

• Author: MATHEW, JAN
• Position: Brief Article

Northeast Indiana counties are maximizing their economic-development strengths, capping the year with annexations, business expansions, new manufacturers and commercial growth.

ALLEN COUNTY

Economic-development spirits here soared with the arrival of Kitty Hawk Cargo Co. in July 1999, says Phil Laux, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. The $35 million cargosort facility employs 450 and unloads up to 20 jets daily at the Fort Wayne International Airport.

"We've invested more than $100 million in our airport over the past eight years," Laux says. "We nave the single largest commercial-use runway in the Midwest, and we're particularly excited about the potential for international cargo business."

Downtown Fort Wayne has been a hub for financial activity, Laux reports, as buy-outs and consolidations have created opportunities for smaller institutions. STAR Financial Bank's move from Marion to Fort Wayne will add 100 jobs by January 2000, and First Community Bank and Salin Bank also opened offices downtown.

A strong medical community also represents economic-development potential. "We have a need for hightech medical-device companies, and I feel we can offer a strong partnership," Laux says. "We're going after the right types of jobs."

General Motors Truck & Bus Group's pickup-truck assembly plant is the county's largest industrial employer with a workforce of about 3,100.

NOBLE COUNTY

An influx of high-paying jobs and the promise of continued expansions are the story in Noble County, reports Barb Mulholland, president and CEO of the Kendallville Chamber of Commerce.

Siebe, maker of controls for electric ovens, relocated to Mexico, but within months Teleflex stepped in, taking over Siebe's Kendallville site and announcing plans to eventually employ 435 workers. Teleflex makes automobile pedals, specifically an innovative adjustable design which moves the pedal equipment toward the driver. Current employment stands at 150.

Flint & Walling, the county's oldest manufacturer, recently added new equipment to increase in-house capabilities. Originally an 1860s windmill maker, the company now makes water softeners and pumps and employs about 180 workers.

Tower Automotive, maker of metal plates for windshields, announced plans to boost its workforce to 306. Nabisco announced plans to purchase favorite Brands Food, the county's largest employer. Favorite Brands currently employs a workforce of about 700 and makes marshmallows...