In economic development we talk a lot about the jobs of the future. Major Tool and Machine is taking this to the next level. The Indianapolis-based company manufactures components supporting NASA’s Artemis program that will take humans back to the moon and then to Mars. With its 620,000 square foot campus in Marion County, MTM has been involved with Artemis since 2011. While five prime contractors were selected to work on the Artemis program, they only do one third of the work in-house. More than 3,000 suppliers like MTM play a critical role in supplying components to support the mission. The skilled workforce and niche manufacturing expertise provided by these supplier partners enables the prime contractors to meet the exacting requirements of NASA. MTM itself has grown since beginning its work on Artemis, continuing its proud legacy of manufacturing excellence in Central Indiana and providing a solid career foundation for its talented employees. MTM’s work will be part of our nation’s rich legacy of space exploration.
Space Heritage in Kokomo
Kokomo’s Haynes International has a proud history that began in 1912 when Elwood Haynes received two patents for alloy products. Years later, the company produced alloys for use in mission-critical aircraft engines that were used to win WWI. The 1960s saw Haynes invented alloys fly in every Apollo mission. Today, aerospace accounts for 49% of the company’s markets. In 2021, its high-temperature HAYNES® 230® alloy was used in the descent thrusters of the Sky Crane vehicle that safely lowered the Perseverance Rover onto Mars. Haynes International continues to grow both its engineering and manufacturing expertise, right here in Indiana, while maintaining the same quality and attention to detail that Elwood Haynes founded more than a century ago.
Launching Opportunity in Upland
NearSpace Launch has been in business for ten years, founded by Dr. Hank Voss and Jeff Dailey. Dr. Voss saw the opportunity to engage Taylor University students in scientific endeavors, resulting in the first satellite built by Hoosier students and launched into space. Today, NearSpace has launched more than 100 satellites and 800 systems and sub-systems. The Upland company has worked with NASA, DARPA, and Space X. In addition, related nonprofit entity NearSpace Education is leveraging the excitement of the eclipse by training 12 additional groups to launch high altitude balloons to gather atmospheric data during these events. Participating groups range from high school to university students from across the state, all of whom will collaborate to analyze data and compare results. With the idea that space is for everyone, NearSpace Education will partner with the Indiana School for the Blind and Tactile Engineering to participate in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Total Solar Eclipse event. Event participants can engage with technology that allows people with visual impairment to “feel” data on a tablet and experience the eclipse through touch. After the wonder of the eclipse, NearSpace Education will continue its mission by hosting four space camps across Indiana, letting students connect with NearSpace engineers and explore scientific careers.
Micropolitan All-Stars
It’s not just Indianapolis – Indiana’s micropolitans are being recognized for their growth and project attraction! Check out the latest stats demonstrating the strength of these vibrant communities:
Congrats to Angola, Connersville, Crawfordsville, Decatur, Huntington, Plymouth, Richmond, Marion, Seymour, Wabash, Warsaw, and Washington – our 2023 Top 100 Micropolitans!
Indiana is ranked #3 out of the top states by number of top 100 Micropolitans
Indiana is nationally ranked at #6 as a “top state by project per capita” Source: Site Selector Magazine, March 2024
Henry County - An Eclipse Destination
Do you know where you're watching the eclipse on April eighth? Henry County has incredible options for an inspiring eclipse viewing experience. Choose from beautiful parks, charming downtown areas, and designated open fields. To make the most of your trip, Henry County has plenty of activities to enjoy before the big day. Find all the options and download your eclipse viewing guide.
A Modern Approach to Apprenticeship
Modern and registered apprenticeships are two great ways for employers to connect with potential new hires and for job seekers to experience a new career. Modern apprenticeships allow employers to customize their own training and tailor programming to prepare Indiana high school students for the workforce with paid, hands-on experience that complements their traditional coursework. At the same time, the program broadens the workforce pipeline by offering employers a way to meet current and future staffing needs to fit their industry. Through the U.S. Department of Labor, the registered apprenticeships program includes on-the-job training with accompanying study for a trade/profession resulting in a national industry certification. Most training is done while working for an employer who helps the apprentice learn their trade or profession, in exchange for their continued labor for an agreed period after they have achieved measurable competencies.
Learn more about apprenticeship options by engaging with your IEDC BR&E team or your local workforce contact. Or reach out to our friends at Ascend Indiana for modern apprenticeship or the Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship.
IEDA Announces New Leader
Congrats to Alan Tio, the new Executive Director of the Indiana Economic Development Association! Alan has been a trusted partner in Northeast Indiana for years and will now extend his leadership statewide. The IEDC, in its capacity as an IEDA Board Member, looks forward to continuing strengthening the relationship and partnership between state, regional, and local economic development partners.
