Build It
Whether you want to make widgets, construct a factory, or grow your existing business, Benton County, Indiana is the place to build it. Current manufacturers, both local and national, take advantage of our industrial ecosystem. We have a ready workforce, plus business-oriented incentives and government.
Current Manufacturers: Many light industries already have plants in Benton County. These employers find our area a friendly place to do business. Our existing industries, in addition to large manufacturers in nearby Lafayette such as Subaru-Toyota, form an ecosystem that helps support new endeavors.
In Fowler, Smurfit-Stone manufacturers paper packaging for the food industry, Powell Systems Inc. builds steel containers and pallet loading equipment, Oxford House makes blinds and home decor items, and Holscher Products Inc. builds powdercoated lawn ornaments. Demeter LP's corporate headquarters oversee grain handling and logistics enterprises in Indiana and Illinois.
Oxford's Drug Plastics Corporation plant manufactures plastic packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. They have an industrial siding off the KB&S railroad for raw material delivery. Dairyland Seed in Otterbein and Landec Ag Inc. near Oxford have agricultural research facilities that take advantage of Benton County's superior farmland.
In Boswell, Whiskey Barrel Planters makes plant hangers, stainless steel gazing globes, and other garden accessories. Earl Park's Rising Sun Imports warehouses and sells components for specialty offroad racing motorcycles, and the Earl Park Sign Shop is a sign manufacturing business with an impressive list of customers belying its modest size.
| local employment and average salaries (2003) | ||
| 15.2% | $33,568 | government |
| 13.2% | $13,351 | private (other than below) |
| 11.9% | $34,731 | manufacturing |
| 11.3% | $14,011 | retail trade |
| 10.8% | $2,501 | farm |
| 7.4% | $40,951 | wholesale trade |
| 6.2% | $16,479 | health care/social service |
| 5.5% | $16,612 | construction |
| 4.6% | $21,761 | transportation/warehousing |
| 3.1% | $8,370 | professional/technical services |
| 2.2% | $6,433 | accomodation/food services |
| 1.2% | $7,364 | arts/entertainment/recreation |
| 0.5% | $19,091 | information |
Workforce: According to Indiana University's Stats Indiana website, a third of Benton County's local workforce commutes out of the county. These are educated, stable, desirable workers who would appreciate a chance to work closer to home.
| local workforce (county) | |
| 4,700 | resident workforce |
| 5.1% | unemployment rate |
| 86.3% | H.S. diploma or higher |
| 13.0% | B.A. degree or higher |
| 59.6% | live in married households |
| 70.6% | own their own homes |
The area workforce located within a 30-mile radius includes a big pool of workers with great jobs skills located in Lafayette and West Lafayette. Because of Purdue University, there is a large base of college-educated workers. Currently the number of commuters out of the county is partially balanced by commuters into the county, who account for 15% of the local workforce.
| area workforce (30-mile radius) | |
| 93,986 | total workforce |
| 4.2% | unemployment rate |
| 87.2% | H.S. diploma or higher |
| 33.2% | B.A. degree or higher |
Government and Incentives: Benton County local and county governments work as a team to address each individual company's needs for the best possible package deal. Economic development efforts are supported by providing appropriate zoning and ordinances, securing financial assistance for workforce training and infrastructure improvements, low tax rates with available tax abatements, and a smooth permitting process. Depending on the project, TIF and build-to-suit options may also be offered.
(photo credits from top: Pete Ruesch / Powell Systems Inc. / Pete Ruesch / Pete Ruesch / Pete Ruesch)