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Manufacturing & Technology
Carmel company helps clients determine next big thing
December 25, 2006
Justin HesserThe employees of production-innovation consultant Insight2 interview customers, but they also watch and videotape them using
various products. That footage then is dissected to see how consumers deal with problems they encounter. More times than not,
the result is a new product intended to satisfy needs consumers didn't even know they had.
More'Old fashioned' values manufacture Motionwear's growth: Acquisition should fuel leotard-maker's expansion
December 18, 2006
Peter SchnitzlerIt might seem as though the low cost of labor overseas has shifted the entire U.S. textile industry to Asia, never to return.
Indianapolis-based leotard-maker Motionwear Inc. proves otherwise. The 120-employee company was acquired this month by the
Italian sportswear firm FILA for an undisclosed sum and, as a result, it's poised to expand locally. Tom Wilson started the
company in his attic in 1988 because his daughter Erin, an aspiring dancer, couldn't find performance apparel she liked in
retail...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: Amid carnage, state still a force in manufacturing
December 18, 2006
Patrick BarkeyWhat puts Indiana on the map in the world's eyes? From an image point of view, it might be race cars, basketball or even David
Letterman. But in terms of economic footprint, it is our manufactured products and our goods-making and goods-moving expertise
that stand out. We are a world-class manufacturer of everything from rolled steel to artificial limbs, and we employ more
people and produce more output in manufacturing, proportionately speaking, than any other state in the nation. If...
MoreCarving a niche outside Louisville: Hoosier Bat Co. finds success with Major Leaguers, amateur baseball players
December 11, 2006
Scott OlsonA three-piece wooden bat David Cook developed in 1989 became popular among professional baseball players, but ended up nearly
devastating his upstart manufacturing company. Major League Baseball banned the bat just a year later after what Cook contends
was a fierce lobbying effort from his largest rival, Louisville Slugger. The bat-made of ash, hickory and maple-is fused by
finger jointing and remains in use at the amateur levels. The durability of the bat rivals that of an aluminum model, Cook...
MoreHoosier Tire still racing: For nearly a half-century, Lakeville company has competed with the big boys
December 11, 2006
Anthony SchoettleWhen the rubber meets the road, auto racing experts say there are few-if any-companies that outperform Lakeville-based Hoosier
Racing Tire. Hoosier tires, industry sources said, are equal to their better-known brethren in racing-related sales and on-track
performance. "This company has gone head-to-head with Goodyear on the biggest of all racing circuits," said Dick Berggren,
editor of Speedway Illustrated and a retired racer. "I can't think of a business where the costs of entry are steeper or the
level of technology...
MoreMarketing firm targets tech types: Seven-figure deal shows DGS' diversification is working
December 4, 2006
Anthony SchoettleWhen DGS Marketing Engineers signed a blockbuster deal this September with one of the nation's largest industrial chemical
companies, owners of the ad agency knew making their micro-niche just a little broader was going to pay big dividends. The
local marketing and advertising agency recently decided to step outside its super-specific niche of working with companies
that make machine tools to target companies working in just about any technical field. "This is a specialized advertising
field that goes beyond mere...
MorePROFILE: Roby's Plumbing and Heating Co. Inc.: Plumber survived by staying flexible Firm entered new market, shifted business
priorities
December 4, 2006
Ed CallahanRoby's Plumbing and Heating Co. Inc. Plumber survived by staying flexible Firm entered new market, shifted business priorities
Those "big box" home-supply stores make the world a scary place for independent companies such as Roby's Plumbing and Heating
Co. Inc. No way can businesses like Roby compete with the big boxes' prices on pipes and other plumbing materials, owner Brad
Roby said, but they can offer something the others don't-service. "Home centers provide cheap products but poor service,"
Roby said....
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Indiana: a primer for the Legislature
November 27, 2006
Morton MarcusThe General Assembly is organizing itself. This is more difficult than getting fleas to join a union. But I am being disrespectful.
My purpose this week is benign. I present for the consideration of our 150 legislators certain facts about Indiana and where
it ranks nationally. The data are from the 2005 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. First,
let's consider sex. Of the 6.1 million Hoosiers, 50.9 percent are females, which leaves 49.1 percent...
MoreSchools warm to economic development: Colleges crank out programs to fit latest initiatives
November 20, 2006
Chris O\'malleyAcademic purists often hold contempt for politicians and executives seeking help with economic development initiatives. It
doesn't take a political science degree to wonder if someone is trying to stoke votes, ambitions or profits-on the cheap.
But in Indiana, more colleges are tailoring their curriculum to support economic development priorities, realizing what's
good for the region can be good for their enrollment. "An increasing number of universities don't view themselves as ivory
towers anymore," said Uday Sukhatme, executive vice chancellor...
MoreState offers red carpet to ethanol plants despite environmental concerns
November 20, 2006
Chris O'MalleyThe Indiana Department of Environmental Management proposes a change in regulations that could reduce the time it takes to
approve air permits for ethanol plants. The change would establish industry-specific control standards for emissions.
MoreMerger would consolidate technology initiatives under CICP
November 13, 2006
Peter SchnitzlerTechnology advocate Techpoint is considering merging into the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership--a move that would leave
CICP CEO Mark Miles atop all three of Indiana's major business-development initiatives.
MoreBEHIND THE NEWS: After taking blows, bank repairs relations with Lilly family
November 13, 2006
Greg AndrewsNo bank wants to leave a customer steamed, especially when that customer is the mighty Lilly family. Great news for National
City Bank of Indiana: It's finally back on the family's good side. Court papers filed in Marion Superior Court in recent months
show the six nieces and nephews of heiress Ruth Lilly are increasingly satisfied with the bank's handling of her financial
affairs. Lilly, 91, is the sole surviving greatgrandchild of the pharmaceutical firm's founder. The bank, part of...
MoreTechpoint's new leader sees room to grow: Indiana making progress, but could do better, he says
November 13, 2006
Scott OlsonTechpoint, a locally based technology trade group that represents the interests of about 330 members statewide, is undergoing
a transition in leadership. Jim Jay, 37, has been named interim CEO following the resignation of Cameron Carter, who has led
the organization since 2003. Directors should begin a formal search for a permanent replacement the first of the year. Whether
Jay lands the top job remains to be seen. But in the meantime, the Butler University graduate with an entrepreneurial spirit...
MoreBridge project not too far for Zionsville firm: Timber-frame specialist has big role in rebuilding Parke County landmark
November 6, 2006
Scott OlsonThe Bridgeton Grist Mill in southern Parke County sat so close to a covered bridge that was destroyed by arson last year that
firefighters hosed down the historic structure to keep it from burning, too. The mill, which has churned out flour since 1863,
predated by five years the wooden trestle considered one of the most scenic of the 31 covered bridges in the western Indiana
county. But a replicated bridge finished in early October resembles the original so closely...
MoreFormer Lt. Gov. Davis seeks support for Model Indiana
November 6, 2006
Peter SchnitzlerFormer Lt. Gov. Kathy Davis is attempting to build a virtual version of Indiana for policymakers to wander. If successful,
the new IT system could help shape Statehouse debate on a host of subjects.
MoreNaClor picks spot for $40 million plant: South-side parcel considered for chemical factory
November 6, 2006
Jennifer WhitsonBackers of a proposed $40 million Indianapolis chemical plant are eyeing a south-side parcel near White River, but neighbors
worry fumes from the facility will drag down property values nearby. In the spring, local economic development groups trumpeted
Indianapolisbased NaClor Inc.'s decision to build the plant here. In return for the 53 new jobs-making bleach and other chemicals
used in soaps, detergents and water quality treatment-the state promised $2.8 million in tax cuts and training grants, and
the city offered...
MoreForeign auto plants-yes, foreign automobiles-no: Ford and Chevy tops in all 92 Indiana counties
November 6, 2006
Anthony SchoettleHoosier workers and community leaders want Honda and Toyota jobs, but the vast majority of them don't want their cars, at
least not yet. At a time when employment by the Big Three automakers is plummeting throughout the state, 80.6 percent of Indiana
vehicles registered by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles are domestic. Hoosiers' taste for domestic models is in stark
contrast with the rest of the country. Nationwide, domestics account for just 51 percent of the market. "I...
MoreLucas Oil launches high-end motorcycle biz in Indy
November 6, 2006
Anthony SchoettleLittle known in this market less than a year ago, Lucas Oil Products is roaring into town with its first brick-and-mortar
operation. Founder Forrest Lucas has set up a sister company, Lucas Cycles, to make fancy, fuel-injected motorcycles.
MoreDeveloper has big plans for long-vacant drive-in: N.Y. firm has 93-acre Lawrence site under contract
September 25, 2006
Jennifer WhitsonA 93-acre former drive-in south of the former Fort Benjamin Harrison has sat vacant since the theater closed in 1993. But
now a Rochester, N.Y., developer has agreed to buy the property and envisions building retail space plus either a light-industrial
business park or a medical campus. If it comes to pass, the large development could kick-start Lawrence's efforts to revitalize
struggling portions of Pendleton Pike. Norry Management Corp. has had the land under contract since spring and is preparing...
MoreBEHIND THE NEWS: Another daunting challenge for veteran exec Cornelius
September 25, 2006
Greg AndrewsAnyone surprised that at age 62, Jim Cornelius would take on the bruising job of leading embattled drugmaker Bristol-Myers
Squibb shouldn't be. After all, the Zionsville businessman has surprised observers before. This is an executive who 12 years
ago gave up one of the top jobs in corporate America-chief financial officer of Eli Lilly and Co.-to become chairman of Guidant
Corp., then a much-maligned collection of medical-device firms that Lilly was spinning off into a stand-alone company. A risky
move,...
MoreService an edge for small firms: Make most of 'moments of truth':
September 25, 2006
Roger Schmenner"If we don't take care of our customers, someone else will." This unattributed quote sums up the challenge facing every business,
and especially small companies in the service and retail sectors. It's difficult for them to compete with their large counterparts
on price-the neighborhood hardware store simply can't sell as cheaply as Wal-Mart. But they can win on customer service by
seizing critical moments where customers can walk away delighted or disappointed. Successful service encounters, where these
"moments of truth"...
MoreOffice furniture dealers experience sales rebound: Better economy, more moves give industry a boost
September 18, 2006
Tammy LieberIndianapolis-area office furniture dealers are awash with business, following a robust national trend that has lifted the
industry beyond its lows of a few years ago. As businesses have begun to move into bigger quarters since 2003, they've naturally
ordered desks, chairs and filing cabinets to fill the bigger space, local dealers said. "The industry is closer to where it
used to be, but I don't think we'll ever again see the kind of activity we had in the mid-...
MoreCummins learned lessons after getting battered by recession
September 11, 2006
Tammy LieberLittle more than six months after Theodore M. "Tim" Solso took the CEO reins at Columbus, Ind.-based Cummins Inc. from James
Henderson in January 2000, Cummins was slammed by "the deepest and longest recession in the history of the company." Those
days are ancient history.
MoreMassachusetts-based software maker plots initial public offering
September 11, 2006
Peter SchnitzlerA disaster-recovery-software maker with major operations in Indianapolis is planning an initial public offering that could
accelerate the company's growth.
More156-year-old Clabber Girl rolls out new products
September 4, 2006
Anthony SchoettleThe 156-year-old Terre Haute company that quietly churned out nothing but its trademark baking powder for more than a century
is now serving notice to General Mills' Bisquick and other well-known brands that the status quo is dead.
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Good ole' Obamacare. Thanks liberals and those who didn't bother to vote.
Yes. Blame those who were too lazy to go vote Obama out and those who voted him in again. That's my take on it. I know folks won't get it on the left. OK. Start berating me now!
Serioulsy, people are AGINST this project? Most communities would be salivating over a project like this. You'd rather have an empty eye-sore gas station and shacks posing as apartments? This project is exactly what BR needs. BUILD IT MR MAYOR. And yes, I am a BR resident, and have been for 20 years.
As a St. Vincent employee of over 20 years, I am saddened and disheartened by this announcement. Unfortunately, as the healthcare "industry" continues on this political and corporate path, all that St. Vincent Hospital has stood for spiritually for its employees and this community is being sucked dry. I know it truly has no choice. It is not just Obamacare or just competition or just any single thing. This trend started long before I was even born when the government became involved in healthcare and it became an "industry." I grieve for those who will lose their jobs, one of whom may be me, but I also grieve for this hospital which I have served for over 20 years. May God give us and it the grace to withstand the future of healthcare.
Why do people constantly harp on this issue and act ignorant about what a city population measures? A city's population is the city's population. There is no argument or debate about it. If you want to measure the density of a city--measure it. If you want to measure the size of a metropolitan area, then measure the metropolitan population. City boundaries cover different sized areas--and they always have (though the disparity has probably increased since about 1900 or so when more cities began annexing their surrounding communities). For example, San Francisco only covers 49 square miles while Houston cover nearly 600 square miles. No one argues about the population rankings of either city even though they clearly cover extremely different sized areas. Indianapolis is the 13 largest city by population in the U.S. That is a fact. While the population of a metropolitan area may give you a better sense of how large a community is, as noted, even metro areas can vary widely in the size of geographic area they cover--so that is not a perfect comparison either.