Northeast Indiana is situated within 800 miles of most of America’s largest consumer and industrial markets. Our interstate highways and railroad connections make it easy and cost-effective to move goods across the country and allow access to more than 80% of the U.S. and 20% of the Canadian population within a 24-hour drive.
Northeast Indiana’s geographic position and multimodal connection to major markets make it a principal “hub to the Midwest.” Northeast Indiana’s central location makes Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, and Indianapolis reachable within a three-hour drive. I-80/90, America’s longest interstate highway running from Boston to Seattle, and I-69, which is planned to run from Mexico to Canada, are part of a transportation network that includes seven U.S. highways and more than 20 state roads.
Our region is also serviced by CSX, Norfolk Southern, Genesee & Wyoming, and Indiana Northern railroads that can connect you to Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, Toledo, Buffalo, Kansas City, and connect to intermodal facilities and the Port of Toledo.
Indiana has a proud history of making things, and the future looks even brighter. By investing in innovation and supporting local manufacturers, the state is positioning itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing and smart technology adoption.
Within the 11-county NEI region, we boast a wide array of career and technical programs, including the Northeast Indiana Colleges and Universities Network, a consortium of 10 institutions harnessing their collective 40,000 enrolled students to meet the specific talent needs of companies and create custom training programs to fill gaps and provide you with the trained and capable workforce you need to succeed.
Additionally, there are more than 200,000 graduates from Tier 1 and Tier 2 universities within 200 miles of Northeast Indiana, with major universities like Notre Dame, Purdue University, Indiana University Bloomington, Michigan State University, and Ohio State University all nearby. Northeast Indiana is strategically located in the middle of everywhere, providing prime access for your business needs.
Northeast Indiana offers a high-value quality of life that costs 4.4% less than the national average, and residential property taxes are capped at just 1%. This affordable cost of living, coupled with a high quality of life, means Fort Wayne is a beacon for talent attraction and retention. Fort Wayne, the state’s second-largest city, is the second-fastest-growing metro in the Great Lakes region.
Indiana also benefits from being a business-friendly environment, as a right-to-work state with a favorable tax climate, ranking among the top ten lowest overall tax burdens in the U.S., including business, property, and income taxes. Combined with low commercial lease rates and competitive wages, Fort Wayne offers a cost structure that supports profitability and scalability.
Indiana’s manufacturing legacy continues to thrive, with Northeast Indiana emerging as a national leader in food and metal manufacturing. Rooted in a rich industrial history and bolstered by strategic infrastructure, skilled workforce, and cost-effective operations, the region offers a compelling value proposition for businesses.
Fort Wayne ranks among the top metros nationally for manufacturing competitiveness, combining high quality with low operating costs. With strong educational institutions, robust transportation networks, and a favorable tax climate, Northeast Indiana is well-positioned for sustained industrial growth and investment, making it a smart choice for companies seeking long-term success.
For job seekers, business leaders, policymakers, and site consultants alike, the message is clear that manufacturing still matters in Indiana, and it will continue to be a driving force in the state’s economy for years to come.
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