East Central Indiana is home to 18 of almost 300 Japanese companies operating in the state. Made up of 10 counties, the region has attracted several businesses because of its proximity to the state capital, Indianapolis, and three Japanese automotive assembly plants and their suppliers.
East Central Indiana Regional Partnership President and CEO Mindy Kenworthy saw the value of this relationship with Japan early in her tenure and organized a delegation to visit the country in 2016.
“Many of the mayors and local economic development corporation directors haven’t had the opportunity to go to Japan before. It was the right time to go,” Kenworthy explained.
With all its counties having fully developed shovel-ready industrial sites, East Central Indiana offers plenty of room for growth.
“We have the location, the sites, a history of manufacturing, a skilled workforce and a great work ethic,” she stressed.
East Central Indiana’s cost of living is also 17 percent lower than the U.S. average and boasts a wide variety of housing and leisure options.
“I tell people that we are rural, but not remote,” Kenworthy said.