Krone Scraps Shelbyville Plans

The company plans to begin hiring next year.

An agriculture equipment company has called off plans to move its headquarters from Tennessee to Shelbyville. Krone North America’s $12.5 million plan was expected to bring more than 100 new jobs. Shelby County Development Corporation Executive Director Brian Asher says the decision had to do with company issues, and while the city is disappointed, he is eager to see what opportunities the shovel-ready site may bring in the future.

When the company announced its plans last year, Chief Executive Officer Tommy Jones said the move would provide the company with "a strong base of knowledgeable workers." The campus had been set to span 40 acres at the intersection of Highway 44 and I-74 in Shelbyville. 

Asher issues the following statement to Inside INdiana Business:

"While we are disappointed by Krone’s decision, we understand that the economic landscape is ever-changing. We plan to keep the lines of communication open with Krone and are hopeful there may be a partnership in the future. We’re also eager to see what opportunities the shovel ready site may bring to our community. It’s been an exciting week in Shelbyville with the announcement of Kimura opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility here, and we look forward to building on this positive momentum."

It hasn’t been all bad news for Shelbyville this month. Last week, Kimura Foundry America Inc. said it would invest $8 million to build a foundry on 10 acres in the city and create around 25 jobs.