A series of initiatives are being set up in an effort to bring manufacturing back to Central Indiana, a region which has lost about 40,000 jobs over the past 20 years. Last week, the cities of Anderson, Muncie and New Castle announced a partnership to create a "Manufacturing Triangle," a combined effort to earn federal grants and recover some of the lost workforce. Companies that had manufacturing plants in the area in the past include BorgWarner, Chevrolet and Delco Electronics.

Local authorities hope that by working together their cities will be able to showcase the region's potential and attract both private companies and public funding. Last year, an application for $20 million in federal aid failed, so they are relying on a show of unity to achieve better results in the future.

Also in the region, a group of Hancock County manufacturers will come together for a follow-up event to the recent Manufacturing Day. Also participating in the October 14 event will be the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and the regional chamber of commerce and economic development council.

"Manufacturing, especially here in Fortville and Hancock County, offers a growing number of well-compensated opportunities in engineering, production and professional services," said Tom Ryder, the CEO of Genesis Plastics Welding, one of the companies involved. "Manufacturing Day gives us a great platform on which to come together with fellow businesses to address our collective hiring and growth challenges."

Manufacturing software systems providers also contribute to the continued recovery of Indiana's manufacturing industry by providing the state's companies with the necessary tools to accurately track every step of the production process, from inventory planning to distribution.