When it comes to small businesses majoring in manufacturing and logistics, Indiana remains one of the most competitive economic environments in the nation, according to a new study.
“The U.S. manufacturing base is not in decline, and we have recovered from the recession,” said Michael J. Hicks, an economics professor at Ball State University. “Nor are jobs being outsourced because American manufacturing can’t compete internationally. Moreover, new jobs in manufacturing pay well above the average wage.”
According to the 2015 Manufacturing and Logistics National Report, the Hoosier state scored 4 “A’s,” for manufacturing industry health, logistics industry health, tax climate and global reach. Overall, the state was only one of two Midwestern states to earn an “A” overall, in addition to northern neighbor Michigan.
“The data convincingly demonstrate our competitive edge, both in the Midwest and nationally,” said Steven Dwyer, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana.
In several areas, the state also struggled, earning a “D+” in worker benefit costs and a “C” in both human capital and sector diversification.
The study was conducted by Conexus in conjunction with Ball State.