Shelby County has landed more economic development investment, $645 million, in the past seven months than during any comparable period in the county in living memory.
Shelby County, which adjoins Indianapolis, has hosted three significant announcements during the period. The largest came on April 8 when Greenleaf Foods said it would build a $310 million facility to process plant-based protein foods.
Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun attributes the growth to cooperation between Shelbyville and Shelby County.
“We have the ability to work together as a group, move in a common direction,” DeBaun said. “What you see in the last seven months is the potential of the community. The amount of investment is staggering.”
Jobs created or retained through the projects total 509.
POET
Announced: Oct. 27, 2018
Project: Ethanol plant
Jobs: 45
Investment: $160 million
Greenleaf Foods
Announced: April 8, 2019
Project: Manufacturing facility to process plant-based protein foods
Jobs: 460
Investment: $310 million
Speedway Solar
Announced: May 21, 2019
Project: One of the largest solar farms in the Midwest, Speedway Solar will generate 199 megawatts, enough to power 35,000 homes.
Jobs: 4
Investment: $175 million
