The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has been a major catalyst for bringing growth to Indiana's manufacturing sector. Tax incentives and other policy making by the IEDC have created an economic climate that attracts investment capital from international, domestic and state enterprises. The effects that these strategies have had on Advance Fabricators, Inc. speaks to their impact.

Advance Fabricators will invest $2.15 million to renovate its New Albany facility. Eric Doden, President of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation spoke to the state's ability to facilitate manufacturing growth.

"Indiana-made goods, like the products produced by Advance Fabricators, are high-quality and high-value. It all starts with our skilled workforce and continues onto an environment that supports business growth, all made possible in a state that works." he said.

Gary Ragsdale, owner of Advance Fabricators echoed Doden's stance.

"Indiana has a solid record supporting small and large business. Indiana maintains a state that is economically sound and allows business to operate knowing the future holds great opportunity." Ragsdale said.

The IEDC offered Advance Fabricators up to $50,000 in training grants aimed at providing addition jobs to Indiana's manufacturing labor force. By strengthening the state's base of skilled manufacturers, attracting addition investment capital into the Hoosier State should be achieved.

The manufacturing industry has come to represent 25 percent of Indiana's economy. 97 percent of the Hoosier State's exports come from manufacturers. This industry adds $64 billion annually to the state.

As manufacturing becomes increasingly prevalent in Indiana, having a resource for manufacturing software with a localized expertise becomes more important. Accent Software, Inc. provides Hoosier manufacturers with the tools they need to implement ERP that can fuel their success. In doing so, the state's manufacturing industry can continue to thrive.