George Roberston, president of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, met with the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission at its Thursday meeting. Robertson offered up some very positive news to the commission regarding economic growth in the county.

First, he announced that within the next couple of weeks the state of Indiana would be announcing that two companies have plans to expand in Kosciusko County. An official statement has not yet been made, thus Robertson cannot reveal the names of the companies.

According to Robertson, this expansion will create 110 new jobs over the next few years. It will also bring in $3.5 million in real estate improvements and $5 million in manufacturing equipment.

It was also reported that Patrick Industries, a manufacturing company based in Elkhart County, was in the process of expanding AIA Countertops in Syracuse. The company is investing $3 million in building improvements at 203 S. Huntington Street, and the project should produce 65 new jobs by 2014. (See related)

Robertson also reported that PolyOne Designed Structures, formerly Spartech, would begin laying off employees at the beginning of 2014. The facility in Warsaw is set to close in September 2014. (See related)

Also discussed were the recent Small Business Tune-Up meetings held in Syracuse, Mentone and Silver Lake. He said reception has been good and people are interested in discussing local economic opportunities. “We’ve yet to have a complaint about local government,” said Robertson.

Robertson announced a meeting at Ivy Tech on Nov. 22. He said KEDCo would be bringing in some people from Lafayette to address young people who will be leaving school and joining the workforce.

“There’s a need for entry level people who can be trained,” said Robertson. More information regarding the meeting will be released soon.