Nine biz-tech predictions for 2017
Leaders of nine local tech firms see a variety of trends gaining steam in 2017, including an increased focus on cybersecurity and heightened interest in employee-engagement software.
Manufacturing
Articles
Interactive built building, reaped city tax break for unrealized job surge
Interactive Intelligence in 2014 said it would add 430 Hoosier employees—plans it leveraged to hash out city and state tax incentive agreements. But it's local employment hasn't changed much since.
Cummins unveils downtown Indy office complex, recruiting tool
The Columbus-based engine maker says having an expanded presence in Indianapolis through its $30 million-plus global distribution headquarters should help the company recruit talent that prefers urban life.
Ed-tech startup raises $1.25M from investors, including Simon family members
This is the second capital raise for ClearScholar, which runs an app for college students that aims to be a primary digital destination for school information.
U.S. automobile sales expected to rise for sixth straight year
Demand may be slowing, but U.S. consumers still bought a whole lot of cars and trucks in 2016.
Allegion acquires Tennessee-based Republic Doors & Frames
Republic, which makes hollow metal doors and frames, had sales of $20 million in 2015.
Ford gives Trump ‘vote of confidence’ after Mexican plant decision
Ford is canceling plans to build a new $1.6 billion factory in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and will instead invest some of that money in a U.S. factory that will build new electric and autonomous vehicles.
Sports apparel maker planning to add 192 workers at local plant
BSN Sports LLC plans to spend $2.4 million to improve its sportswear production facility on the city’s northwest side.
RV industry makes comeback in Elkhart County
The industry has since shown resiliency. The county had an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent this year, and potential customers have more disposable income.
Langellier: Many tech firms would be better off here
TechPoint CEO Mike Langellier spoke with IBJ about his group’s evolution, his interest in the internet of things, and why elected officials are increasingly paying attention to tech.
Output jumps as Subaru of Indiana hustles to meet demand
The Japan-based automaker is in the midst of a U.S. sales boom—and the company’s Lafayette auto plant is racing to keep up.
2016 Year in Review: Carrier keeps plant open after Trump intervenes
The issue got even more national attention when Donald Trump incorporated criticism of the layoffs into his presidential campaign, using Carrier as an example of what’s wrong with American trade policy.
Allison Transmission CEO to retire in 2018
The Allison board plans to consider internal and external candidates to replace Lawrence Dewey, 60, who has served as Allison’s top executive since 2007.
IUPUI awarded $1.5M to help manufacturers find energy savings
The school’s program already has recommended $11 million in savings for more than 75 companies since 2011.
Short-term leases help small firms grow
Certain companies don’t like committing to the usual five-year-or-longer leases, because they’re not comfortable predicting how much space they’ll need that far in the future.
Startup aims to bring Amazon.com experience to restaurants
Matt Tait, the CEO and co-founder of Füdē, plans to use artificial intelligence to help restaurants personalize the messages they send customers.
After Kentucky test drive, Eleven Fifty mulls bigger expansion
Eleven Fifty Academy is wrapping up a program in Kentucky that involves teaching former coal miners how to code. Its president is considering replicating the classes elsewhere.
Software firm BidPal raises $6 million in new financing
BidPal said it plans to use the funds to “significantly accelerate product development” and “expand marketing and sales efforts.”
Tech entrepreneur Don Brown donating $30M to IU School of Medicine
The gift is the largest to the IU School of Medicine by an alumnus. The medical school will use the money to establish the Brown Center for Immunotherapy to fight some of the world’s toughest diseases.
Wind turbine maker paying back county after missing hiring goals
An Italian company planned to create 450 jobs when plans for its Muncie factory were announced in 2008, but it never employed more than about 60.