Kernan announces $1 million in advanced manufacturing funding, 110 high-tech jobs

As part of an ongoing effort to conserve energy and encourage advanced manufacturing, the state of Indiana has awarded $1 million in funding to four Hoosier companies for state-of-the-art, energy-efficient manufacturing systems or products, Gov. Joe Kernan said today.

The Indiana Department of Commerce presented Advanced Energy Technologies Program (AETP) grants of $250,000 each to Grote Industries, Piezo Technology, Reilly Industries and Webb Wheel for their commitment to developing high-technology manufacturing facilities, products and jobs.

"This grant program combines our on-going investment in the advanced manufacturing industry with our state's need to focus on energy efficiency," Kernan said. "The businesses receiving funding today are technology-driven companies that are creating high-paying Hoosier jobs, and we are proud to support their commitment to growing here in Indiana."

Grote Industries will use the grant to install a new automated manufacturing line that will produce more reliable, energy-efficient safety light fixtures for commercial vehicles. The company, which was established in Madison in 1901, estimates that the new line will manufacture more than $5 million in products annually and use significantly less energy than conventional technology. Grote Industries will create 13 new technical and manufacturing positions as part of the project. "We are pleased to be awarded this grant to further our investment in developing leading edge manufacturing processes and technology" commented Grote Industries' President, Eric Morris

"We have targeted advanced manufacturing as well as information technology, life sciences and high-tech distribution as high-growth industries for Indiana," Kernan said. "It's exciting to see these companies make this type of innovative, energy-saving investment in their facilities and our Hoosier workers."

Return to press release list