by Carla Knapp
Several new projects and more possibilities in the works — that’s what Skip Kuker, president of the Logansport-Cass County Economic Development Foundation, reported at this morning’s LEDF board meeting.
Kuker’s report included updates on 11 projects that LEDF is currently working on. Two of the projects are expansions for companies now in the community.
After recently receiving approval for tax abatement on more than $3.2 million in equipment, Tinnerman-Palnut, which is based in Ohio, will soon begin an expansion project for its Logansport plant.
The company recently consolidated plants in New Jersey and had been looking at expansion for either this facility or one in Flemingsburg, Ky. Kuker said it is now looking at training and will bring between 20 and 29 new jobs to this area.
Modine is also planning to bring a new product line, which is currently in production at a different facility, to its local plant. While Kuker said he was looking at abatement options, the company is planning the move without any incentives and recently completed new training.
Kuker also said he expected to soon have additional details for two other projects, including “Project Bark” which is a new one for LEDF.
“It’s a new project and hopefully that will turn into something,” said Kuker, though he also noted that several other projects had been ongoing for months and are still up in the air. “... Economic development is ever changing. There are no guarantees.”
One of the projects Kuker had been working on for months was the new ALDI Foods facility, which LEDF announced just last week. He said he was pleased to see that project come through.
Kuker also reported this morning that he had received three queries in August that could become prospective projects. Kuker noted that LEDF would not name the projects until representatives had visited the community.
Carla Knapp can be contacted at (574) 732-5150 or via e-mail at carla.knapp@pharostribune.com
