Myers: Cummins Deal Has Phone Ringing in Greenwood
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowColumbus-based Cummins’ decision to locate a $35 million digital and IT hub in Greenwood is expected to bring more than 500 jobs, with average annual salaries in excess of $100,000 to the Johnson County city. But Mayor Mark Myers says the impact will extend far beyond the high tech center. Myers says the announcement has triggered increased interest in Greenwood from companies that could diversify the city’s corporate base. "To have Cummins come to Greenwood and pick us, what this has done has just totally changed it so that we have more office professional space calling us, more businesses calling to relocate, so it’s put a big buzz on that part of the city," said Myers.
Myers talked about economic development momentum in Greenwood and the impact of several quality of place investments on this weekend’s edition of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick.
The Cummins deal is the latest in a series of economic development wins for Greenwood, which until now has largely attracted big warehouse and distribution companies. Amazon will open a 500,000 sq. ft. distribution center in September that is expected to generate more than 1,200 jobs. Additionally, Connecticut-based Pitney Bowes has opened a distribution center expected to employ as many as 300 workers.
But the city is beginning to attract companies in other sectors. In addition to Cummins, Greenwood enticed Los Angeles-based California Custom Fruits and Flavors Inc. and an $11 million manufacturing facility that will produce fruit and flavor ingredients for the dairy, bakery, beverage and food service industries.
Myers believes several quality of life projects and redevelopment of the city’s downtown are helping attract the attention of companies looking to expand.