Indiana Toll Road Helps Draw High-Tech Employer to Elkhart County

It’s one thing to make the argument that infrastructure investment and providing greater mobility creates jobs and attracts investment. It’s something else again to see that argument prove itself before your eyes.

Which is why it’s exciting to hear that the Indiana Toll Road was one of the deciding factors when a major Australian-based recreational vehicle manufacturer moved its headquarters to Elkhart County, bringing dozens of high-paying tech jobs to the area.

Furrion “is really a high-profile company,” said Mark Dobson, of the county’s Economic Development Corporation, and roadside location was “part of the reason they chose the site they did. That site, you know, being so close to the Toll Road, they really want to build the type of premiere facility that is going to attract attention.”

The 10-acre site, adjacent to the RV Hall of Fame, is now under development and is expected to open this summer, according to WSBT 22. It will include a design institute and an innovation center.

“There will be a lot of research and development done at the site. It’s more than a manufacturing site,” Dobson said. “You will see a lot of need for engineers, people who can create product. These are igher-paying jobs.”

The announcement is terrific news for Indiana, but not a huge surprise for tolling agencies. From New England to Virginia, in Pennsylvania and Ohio and from Florida to Texas and beyond, IBTTA members frequently hear about major regional employers that have been attracted to their jurisdictions due to the easy access to the toll road and interstate. In any industry that depends on physical delivery, time is money. And as any commuter can tell you…when you absolutely have to get there on time, it’s great to have a toll road you can count on for a reliable trip.

In other good news for the state of Indiana and the Indiana Toll Road, IFM Investors announced in mid-March the completion of its acquisition of the 157-mile toll facility. Julio Garcia, Head of Infrastructure – North America at IFM Investors said, "We believe the Indiana Toll Road is a terrific and complementary addition to our existing portfolio of toll road and other infrastructure investments."

For the latest on highway financing, check out the presentations from IBTTA’s 2016 Transportation Policy and Finance Summit, March 13-15, 2016 in Washington, DC.

Photo courtesy of Indiana Toll Road.