Plans by EnerDel to dramatically expand its research and manufacturing operations in Indiana are viewed as a vote of confidence for Indiana's ability to produce a talented technical workforce for growing companies. EnerDel, a developer of litium-ion batteries for use in hybrid, electric plug-in and electric vehicles, has confirmed plans to create 850 jobs through 2012, including many engineering and technical positions. EnerDel says it will expand its current research and cell production operation in Indianapolis, build a battery pack assembly facility in Noblesville and locate a major manufacturing operation at a yet-to-be-selected site.

Hoosier chocolate maker lands big deal

Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate products will be available in 6,200 Walgreen's stores across the country later this year. It is the first order for the chocolate company since redesigning its package to reduce paper waste in the production process. Ten percent of net profits for all Endangered Species Chocolate help support species, habitat and humanity.

Purdue reports double digit increase in farmland values

A recent survey by a Purdue Agricultural economist shows the value of farmland in the state has increased by as much as 15 percent, compared to this time last year. Purdue Extension ag economist Craig Dobbins says the value of top-quality farmland in Indiana is $5,003 an acre, average-quality farmland is $4,240 an acre and poor-quality farmland is $3,408 an acre. Dobbins says it is the second year in a row for double digit increases in farmland values.

State provides training credits for RV workers

Governor Mitch Daniels says the state has released $3 million in training vouchers to help displaced workers in Indiana's RV industry acquire new skills. Hundreds of workers in Elkhart County are being laid off because of a downturn in the RV market. Daniels says there are more than 700 jobs available in the medical device industry in neighboring Kosciusko County. Daniels made the comments to Inside INdiana Business after meeting with leaders of the RV industry in northern Indiana.

Indiana retailer hits 100 store milestone

Indianapolis-based hhgregg (NYSE:HGG) has opened its 100th location. The milestone store is in Mishawaka. The company started in 1955 as an appliance store on the north side of Indianapolis. It now has plans to expand to more than 400 stores across the nation. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jerry Throgmartin says strategy execution is one the keys to the company's success.

Northern Indiana manufacturer expanding

Automotive supplier Millennium Industries is expanding its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Ligonier and creating more than 170 jobs by 2011. The Noble County company will invest more than $9.2 million to upgrade equipment and add warehouse space at its facility. The expansion will make room for Millennium's direct injection fuel system manufacturing operations.

Pharmaceutical distributor to expand in Indiana

Plainfield-based MD Logistics plans to expand its pharmaceutical distribution operations and bring 75 new jobs by 2012. The logistics provider will invest $1 million to build a cold storage facility near the Indianapolis International Airport. The company will begin hiring managers, warehouse technicians and clerical staff later this year.

Purdue launching industrial energy assessment pilot program

Purdue University's Technical Assistance Program Energy Efficiency Services is launching a pilot Industrial Assessment Initiative program. It is accepting applications from industrial facilities with annual energy costs greater than $1 million. Three companies will be chosen to receive an energy savings assessment, energy efficiency training and implementation assistance. Energy Efficiency Services Manager Ethan Rogers says those services usually cost between $10,000 and $15,000. Rogers adds his office recently helped one company save $175,000 a year in natural gas costs through a similar initiative.

Pharmaceutical distributor to expand in Indiana

Carmel-based Pharmakon LTC Pharmacy is planning a $1.2 million expansion of its packaging and distribution operations in Central Indiana. The expansion is expected to result in 52 new jobs by 2011. Pharmakon says it will move its headquarters and distribution center to a 21,000 square-foot facility in Carmel during the first quarter of 2009 and hire new pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and shipping personnel. The company currently employs about 60 people in Central Indiana.

Delphi job cuts hit Indiana

Delphi Corp. says it is cutting 600 salaried positions company wide from its operations as part of an effort to reduce operating costs by 25 percent. Spokesman Milton Beach says the company is not sure yet how many of those reductions will take place at Delphi Electronics and Safety in Kokomo. He says the cuts are needed because of continued sluggish vehicle sales, sparked by higher fuel prices, and a shift in consumer vehicle preferences.