Anderson sees $170 million investment in 2023

Ken de la Bastide, The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Ind.
·2 min read

Mar. 27—ANDERSON — Bouncing back from the COVID-19 slowdown in investments, the City of Anderson has attracted $170 million in new investments in the past year.

FITT USA officials announced last year plans to construct a facility along Raible Avenue that will use material from Sirmax for the manufacture of plastic hoses and pipes.

The company is investing $20 million in a former General Motors Guide Division property, which is considered a brownfield site.

Eventually, the company plans to hire 100 people with an annual payroll of $4.4 million.

Cordeva Agriscience, a seed distribution company, is hoping to move into a 300,000-square-foot facility along 67th Street near Layton Road by June. The company is investing $30 million and plans to hire up to 50 people at hourly wages in excess of $20.

It was announced this year that SAICA Pack USA would invest $120 million for the construction of a 350,000-square-foot building along Park Road. The company, which manufactures and distributes corrugated cardboard, intends to hire as many as 118 people with hourly wages of $39-$41.50.

The Anderson Redevelopment Commission approved $10 million in tax increment financing for the project.

Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department, said $4.7 million will be spent on widening Park Road between 53rd and 67th streets, relocating power lines and covering a portion of the cost to run a rail spur to the site.

Also, Winkler said the city is working on closing several projects that would bring investments of more than $500 million and the creation of as many as 700 jobs.

"That's the type of uptick in activity that we're seeing," he said. "I'm sure that we're going to continue to see certain parts of the economy continue to be reluctant to move forward due to interest rates and instability."

Winkler said some companies have reached the point where they have to either progress or lose business to competitors.

The city also moved in the past year to locate a grocery store and hardware store in the former Marsh store on Nichol Avenue.

KennMar Development has purchased the property and has signed agreements for a Needler's grocery and Ace Hardware.

KennMar is investing $1.5 million in the project and purchased the building from the Anderson Redevelopment Commission for $500,000.

The Redevelopment Commission is providing $7.2 million toward the project to upgrade the heating and air conditioning systems, flooring, electronics and plumbing.

Chick-fil-A, McAlister's Deli, Jersey Mike's Subs and Chipotle Mexian Grill all plan to open restaurants in Anderson during 2024.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.