Continuing challenges in the auto industry are prompting Toyota to cease production at its Gibson County plant for three months, beginning in early August. The company also has announced plans to send all of the Indiana production of the Tundra pickup truck to a plant in San Antonio in 2009. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana will continue to manufacture the Sequoia SUV and will pick up production of the Highlander SUV next year as well. The company says no layoffs will occur at the Princeton plant, which employs approximately 4,500 workers. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc Vice President Administration & Secretary R.J. Reynolds talks about the moves.

Congressman questions "clobbering" of trailer makers

An Indiana Congressman believes smaller travel trailer companies in the state might not survive because of added pressure from what have been described as toxic trailers. GOP Rep. Mark Souder is on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform that heard testimony from four leaders of Indiana trailer manufacturers. He says there are 10 major companies in his district that have been named in major lawsuits over so-called toxic trailers. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, those companies had a total of four complaints about formaldehyde levels.

Purdue: Corn stover could be key to future

A Purdue University study suggests corn stover could be the next significant source of liquefied energy in Corn Belt states such as Indiana. The research suggests corn stover could be harvested less expensively than switchgrass, which is considered another source for cellulosic ethanol. The Purdue study compared the costs and returns of harvesting corn stover to the growing and harvesting of switchgrass for Indiana ethanol production. Purdue Agricultural Economist Wally Tyner is the study's lead researcher. He says it might be tough to convince people to invest in the technology without policies to ensure against the possible drop in oil prices, which have hit 147 dollars a barrel on global markets.

Horseshoe Casino completes transformation

A ribbon cutting has been held to mark the $53 million renovation of the Horseshoe Casino Hotel in Harrison County. It took crews 18 months to convert the facility from a Caesars' property. Horseshoe Regional President and General Manager Rick Mazer says it basically is a new casino with more than 2,000 workers. It is the largest employer in Harrison County. The casino operators in 2006 paid $133 million in total taxes.

Bayh requests funds to boost Amtrak

Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., is asking key Senate leaders to drastically increase Amtrak funding for intercity passenger rail services as a cost-effective, energy-efficient option. Bayh and Sen. Gordon Smith R-Ore., want $1.8 billion appropriated to maintain current rail operations and increase intercity rail services throughout the nation. The Bayh-Smith request represents a 36 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2008 levels of $1.3 billion. Ridership has seen a 25 percent spike in some parts of Indiana since September.

Indiana firm to expand global headquarters

An Indiana-based technology developer and supplier is expanding its global headquarters and plans to add 250 jobs by 2012. Telamon Corp. will invest more than $3 million in its Carmel corporate complex to upgrade technical support, engineering and logistics operations. Telamon already employs more than 250 in Carmel.

New ISU president to define school's role

The new president of Indiana State University is hoping to have a clear vision for the institution and a plan to implement it within a year. Daniel Bradley will step into his role on the Terre Haute campus July 31. The university's board of trustees confirmed his appointment today. Bradley says he wants a strategic plan for Indiana State to address several fronts including enrollment, research and the university's role in Indiana's economic development.

Anderson competes for Nestlé expansion

The director for the Anderson Department of Municipal Development says the city is in competition with other communities for Nestlé Corp.'s new production line. Michael Widing says he does not know what other cities are in the running, but if Anderson lands it, the 260,000-square-foot facility would create an additional 140 jobs. Nestlé has one product line up and running at its 880,000-square-foot facility in Anderson and hopes to have four fully operational by the end of summer.

Navistar adding jobs in Fort Wayne

Navistar Inc. is planning to add 200 positions at its Fort Wayne Truck Engineering Facility by the end of the year. The new positions are for degreed professionals in mechanical, electrical, systems and software engineering. Navistar already has approximately 1,100 employees and contractors in Fort Wayne.