Duke Energy has selected a 104-acre site in Connersville and a 169-acre site in Westfield for a marketing collaboration to attract industrial investment to the areas.
The collaborations with the Economic Development Group of Fayette County and the city of Westfield are part of the utility company’s 2025 Site Readiness Program, which helps prepare sites of high potential for economic development and markets them nationwide to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.
“For more than a decade, we have partnered with local economic development organizations through our Site Readiness Program to help them stay competitive and market their sites and communities to prospective companies,” Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar said in a news release. “It’s been a collaborative effort and instrumental tool to bring major economic development wins to the communities we serve—resulting in job creation, new tax dollars and investment.”
In Connersville, the 104-acre property is just north of the 1.7 million-square-foot former Visteon manufacturing plant. Utilities are readily accessible, and the site is close to a short line rail service.
“This partnership will allow us to take a key step forward in preparing and marketing the site for future industrial use,” Brad Colter, CEO of the Economic Development Group of Fayette County, said. “We appreciate Duke Energy’s investment in our region and the proactive approach the company is taking to help ensure the communities it serves are positioned for long-term economic success.”
In Westfield, the 169-acre property is adjacent to the NorthPoint Business Park and can accommodate a megasite project, advanced manufacturing operations and corporate campuses, Duke said.
”NorthPoint II is an opportunity for companies to establish themselves within one of the region’s fastest-growing communities,” said Jenell Fairman, economic development director for the city of Westfield. “From assisting in site development to aiding in the recruitment of new investment projects, we’re grateful for Duke Energy’s support and collaboration to attract businesses to NorthPoint II and the city of Westfield.”
Under the Site Readiness Program, Duke Energy works with Plainfield-based Banning Engineering and Dallas-based Site Selection Group to evaluate sites of high potential and then partners with local economic development professionals to develop a marketing strategy.
Duke Energy awards $10,000 to each site to help prepare them to attract projects.
Since Duke Energy started the program in 2013, the utility company has helped prepare 51 properties that have won 30 major projects, drawing more than 10,000 new jobs and $14.7 billion in capital investment to the state, according to the news release.