Two Japanese manufacturers, Fukai Manufacturing Company and Toyoda Iron Works, have established a joint venture that will build a plant in Jamestown and bring new jobs to the area. Fukai Toyotetsu Indiana Corporation (FTIC) will invest $73.5 million in the construction of a 151,000-square-foot facility that is expected to be operational in the spring of 2016. The consortium will employ 195 workers by 2017.

Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann joined the company's executives for the official announcement.

"Indiana continues to benefit from our strong relationships with the Japanese business community," she said. "On my trade mission to Japan earlier this year, we discussed the opportunity of Fukai coming to Indiana. They now join 240 Japanese business facilities across the state employing more than 44,000 Hoosiers. We celebrate our friendship with Japan, with the success of businesses like Fukai in our sister state Tochigi Prefecture bringing jobs and investment back to Indiana."

Japanese companies make up a significant part of Indiana's booming manufacturing sector, with American and Japanese enterprises coming together to strengthen business and community relations as members of the Japan-America Society of Indiana.

"The partnership during the entire process has been remarkable," said Jamestown council president Bryce Huckstep. "Members of the town felt a deep and genuine appreciation and connection with the members of FTIC very early in our conversations. Also, to have representatives from Boone County step up and support Jamestown in this project has been outstanding. We are proud to be part of the county, and proud to welcome such a wonderful company to our community."

Manufacturing ERP software can help the region's companies manage every step of the production process, ensuring the continued good health of the manufacturing industry.