Conexus Indiana

In our latest Industry Insights post, our Thought Leadership team dives into a study finding employee stock ownership programs (ESOPs) are a contributing factor to increased productivity among manufacturing companies.

Read the full article with additional insights from our partners at Jasper Engines & Transmissions:

New Research Suggests ESOPs Boost Productivity in Manufacturing - Conexus Indiana A March 2026 study from the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing found that Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are a contributing factor to increased […]

Our partners at Leaf Software Solutions are hosting an AI lunch and learn event tomorrow in Indianapolis. This session will feature an exclusive dive into the practical applications of AI and marketing in manufacturing, distribution and logistics, as well as hurdles such as rising lead costs and evolving search behavior.

Learn more:

AI & Marketing, Manufacturing and Distribution Masterclass, with Panel Discussion (Invite Only) · Luma Join Valve+Meter Performance Marketing partnering with Van Ausdall & Farrar, and Leaf Software Solutions for an exclusive dive into the practical applications…

“ACMI’s National Security Industrial Hub is a premier center for modern defense manufacturing and innovation, making it the ideal location to establish a center for advanced manufacturing expertise." - Salim Awad, CEO, Spinner North America

American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation has announced that machinery manufacturer Spinner North America, LLC and aerospace firm IRocket will join its National Security Industrial Hub (NSIH) in Indiana. The industrial group expects the development to increase the hub's total footprint from 1,100 acres to over 1,500 acres.

https://ow.ly/2KYE50ZETwQ

No one will accuse AlyxaKay McKee of thinking small. She openly states her intention to make Shields Windshields "the Cummins of Morgan County" and she's making progress. Her implementation of a new ERP system revolutionized accounting and operational efficiency, helped create 20 new jobs and contributed to the company earning a Top 100 Small Businesses in America listing from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Meet AlyxaKay and the rest of the 2026 Rising 30 class: https://ow.ly/OWem50ZELRN

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering up to $20 million in prize awards to advanced manufacturing organizations that will bring innovation to expand production capacity identified as critical supply chain chokepoints.

Learn more about the competition, eligibility and more:

Critical Suppliers Prize Competition - Small Business Administration SBA is offering up to $20 million in prize awards to help expand capacity in areas identified as critical supply chain chokepoints. Overview SBA is offering up to $20 million in targeted and mission-aligned prize awards that will bring innovation to our manufacturing base and rapidly expand producti...

Next week, we’re bringing our Industry Exchange series to Evansville for a conversation on Building Your Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics Workforce. This session will feature collaboration opportunities to help give a clearer picture of how your hiring challenges and strategies compare to your peers.

You also hear from local workforce professionals through two panel discussions, bringing real-world perspectives and practical insights into the conversation.

Secure your spot today: https://events.cicpindiana.com/en/o0HMYp6/g/PQD3GYS9z0/industry-exchange-series-building-your-aml-workforce-4a3aUsdsi5/overview

Meet the panelists who will be joining us below! 👇

💬 Christy Atherton, AmeriQual Group, LLC

💬 Tori Guzman, NIX Industrial

💬 Stephanie Weber, Ivy Tech Community College

💬 Alexander Burton, Amcor

💬 Kaylie Pruiett, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership

💬 Glen M., Koch Enterprises

💬 Sara Worstell, Southwest Indiana Workforce Board

💬 Daniela Vidal (Tirado), Ivy Tech Community College

Our own Brooke Lambert recently attended the Indiana Ag Policy Summit in Columbus, joining more than 200 farmers, ag stakeholders and policymakers in discussions about biofuels, the state's changing electrical grid, USDA and federal policy and much more.

“Willoughby is proud to be able to call Boone County home for our new HQ and manufacturing expansion...we look forward to adding more jobs in the area.” - Will Alderson, CEO, Willoughby Industries

Boone County manufacturer, Willoughby Industries, Inc., announced plans to invest $10 million in to a new corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Zionsville, an investment that is expected to create more than 100 jobs at the location.

Learn more:

Willoughby Industries plans $10M Zionsville expansion, 100-plus jobs - Indianapolis Business Journal About 35,000 square feet of the facility will house Willoughby’s corporate headquarters, while the remaining 70,000 square feet will support light manufacturing and assembly operations.

"We are proud to invest in Indiana's workforce and work with regional partners to build a long-term center of excellence for solar technology and advanced manufacturing." - Rusty Schmit, President, CS PowerTech

CSPowerTech, a US-based manufacturing subsidiary of Canadian Solar, has opened the first phase of its photovoltaic cell manufacturing plant at the River Ridge Commerce Center in Jeffersonville, which at full capacity, can create more than 1,200 skilled jobs in Indiana.

CS PowerTech opens first phase of solar cell facility in Indiana, US The facility is expected to play a key role in developing a domestic supply chain for solar technology.

ICYMI: Our president and CEO, Jay Wirts, joined Inside INdiana Business to discuss Indiana's prowess as a manufacturing hub, and also the existing footprint and potential for specifically the defense and aerospace subsectors.

🎥 Watch the segment:

Indiana's defense sector gaining momentum - Inside INdiana Business Over many decades Indiana has built a reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse. Today, that expertise is being applied to some of the nation’s most critical defense needs. And the nation is taking notice.