Local Economy Ranks High For Manufacturing

Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky earned high marks in an annual manufacturing report, demonstrating the strength of the manufacturing and logistics industry in the tri-state area. Conexus Indiana and Ball State Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) released their annual Manufacturing & Logistics Report Card last month, grading each state in several areas of the economy that affect the success of manufacturing and logistics, including the health of the manufacturing and logistics industries, the state of human capital, the cost of worker benefits, diversification of the industries, state-level productivity and innovation, expected fiscal liability, the state climate, and global reach. According to the report, the nine categories chosen are those most likely to be “considered by site selection experts for manufacturing and logistics firms and by the prevailing research on economic growth.” Indiana led the way, earning an “A” in the manufacturing industry, logistics industry, tax climate, and global reach. Kentucky also ranked well, earning a “B+” in the manufacturing industry, a “B” in the logistics industry, and an “A” in global reach. Ohio rounded off the tri-state’s high marks with a “B” in the manufacturing industry, an “A” in the logistics industry, and an “A” in global reach. Read the full report to see how each state ranked in each category, and visit the Manufacturing & Logistics Report Card website to view performance history for each state since 2009.