Why Companies Love Doing Business in South Bend, IN
From its low cost of living and business-friendly local government to its skilled, available workforce, the South Bend, IN, region is proving to be beneficial for companies across all industries that prioritize growth, innovation and sustainability. Projects that reflect the region’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences and technology include:
- Synergy Cells, a joint venture between General Motors and Samsung SDI, which is building a $3.5 billion EV battery manufacturing facility in New Carlisle, IN, and bringing an estimated 1,600 jobs to the region.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is constructing a large data center campus in southwest St. Joseph County near New Carlisle.
- Bioenergy company Verbio, which is investing $230 million to convert and upgrade the former South Bend Ethanol plant in South Bend into an advanced biofuels facility.
- AM General, an automotive manufacturer that builds military and commercial vehicles, which was recently awarded a 10-year, nearly $9 billion contract to produce the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle for the U.S. Department of Defense. It is expected to create around 300 new jobs in Mishawaka.
- Beacon Health System, which is investing $230 million to expand Memorial Hospital in downtown South Bend, is adding over 50 ICU beds and creating approximately 300 new jobs.
Alyson Herzig, director of economic development for the South Bend Regional Chamber, says the area offers a compelling value proposition for businesses seeking to establish or expand operations in the region.
“South Bend’s strategic location provides direct access to major markets and transportation corridors, supported by an international airport, a diverse talent pool and a balanced economy anchored by manufacturing, education, health care and innovation,” Herzig says.
Indeed, businesses of all sizes are drawn to the South Bend, IN, region due to its ease of transportation, including I-80/90, U.S. 31, the Indiana Toll Road, nearby Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor and the South Bend International Airport. The area is also served by three Class I railroads and is known for its highly skilled workforce. Additionally, the St. Joseph Aquifer is a big drawn for businesses that need water to cool their servers.
AWS Invests in the Region
Partly due to the demonstration of strong business confidence and momentum, a wealth of companies across key sectors are investing in the South Bend, IN, region.
For example, AWS plans to invest more than $11 billion to build new data centers near New Carlisle, the largest capital investment in the state’s history. This investment is poised to add $4.7 billion to the state’s gross domestic product and employ an estimated 1,000 workers annually upon completion. AWS will also contribute up to $7 million to support road infrastructure improvements in partnership with the state and St. Joseph County Redevelopment Commission. The project is expected to contribute approximately $1 billion in property tax revenue over 35 years.
“As we expand in Indiana, we are committed to running our business with efficiency and sustainability as core principles for success,” says Roger Wehner, vice president of AWS economic development.
Several factors made the South Bend, IN, region ideal for AWS’ business investment, according to Wehner. These include:
- The collaborative business environment, from state leadership to local officials in St. Joseph County to state and local economic development teams, which reflects a commitment to responsible development.
- The region’s excellent infrastructure offers reliable power sources and strong existing connectivity.
- The available workforce and strong partnerships that can help develop the specialized talent needed for data center operations.
- The community’s welcoming approach and understanding of how technology investment can create mutual benefits.
“The fact that we’ve been able to move from concept to operations in just 14 months since our April 2024 announcement validates that this region truly understands how to work effectively with businesses,” Wehner says.
Business Resources in the South Bend, IN, Area
According to Herzig, businesses in the South Bend, IN, region have access to a robust ecosystem of support partners. The University of Notre Dame, through its iNDustry Labs initiative, provides hands-on collaboration and technical support for small and midsize manufacturers to enhance productivity, integrate advanced technologies and accelerate growth.
“The South Bend Regional Chamber also offers a suite of strategic services, including labor market analytics, economic and demographic research, career development resources, business advocacy and extensive networking opportunities,” Herzig says. “The chamber also collaborates closely with local and state agencies to ensure businesses are aligned with training programs, incentive opportunities and growth-oriented initiatives.”
Wehner points out that what truly stands out about the South Bend region is how stakeholders at every level work together to remove unnecessary obstacles while maintaining high standards.
“This partnership approach has allowed AWS to accelerate our timeline while still meeting or exceeding all requirements,” Wehner says. “Looking ahead, we see this investment as more than just infrastructure – it’s the beginning of a long-term relationship with this community.”
This article was sponsored by the South Bend Regional Chamber.