Biomet reported a net income of $36.8 million for the 2014 fiscal year — a notable profit swing compared to a net loss of $623.4 million last year. According to Inside INdiana Business, the company is currently seeking regulatory approval for a proposed $13 billion merger with Zimmer Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ZMH). The final results …read more.

According to Inside INdiana Business, the Fort Wayne City Council has approved a measure modeled after the state’s “right to work” law for some city employees. Councilman Mitch Harper proposed the ordinance, which he says aligns city policy with the law passed two years ago by Indiana lawmakers. John Perlich, the spokesman for Mayor Tom …read more.

Petroleum Traders Company of Fort Wayne has been awarded a maximum $15,838,744 modification (P00010) to add additional line items on a 3-year base contract (SP0600-13-D-8523). This is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel. Locations of performance are South Carolina, Missouri, Arkansas and Georgia, with an Oct. 31, 2016, performance completion date. Using …read more.

Indiana Michigan Power plans to build and operate five solar generation facilities, adding another emission-free source of power to the company’s generation portfolio, which already includes nuclear, wind and hydro. If approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the Clean Energy Solar Pilot Project will have a combined generation capacity of about 16 megawatts, producing …read more.

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZMH) (“Zimmer” or the “Company”) and Biomet, Inc. (“Biomet”) announced that they have each received a request for additional information (“second request”) from the United States Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) in connection with Zimmer’s previously announced proposed acquisition of Biomet. The second request was issued under the notification requirements …read more.

Lippert Components, Inc. (LCI) announced today it is initiating an exclusive arrangement with Shanghai Yixin Trading Co. Ltd. for the marketing, sale and distribution of LCI products in the Chinese caravan, motorhome and utility trailer markets. Since 1995, Shanghai Yixin Trading has imported products into China ranging from electric bikes to elevator parts, and recently …read more.

Patrick Industries, Inc. (“Patrick” or the “Company”) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the business and certain assets of Goshen, Indiana-based Foremost Fabricators, LLC (“Foremost”). Foremost is a fabricator and distributor of fabricated aluminum products, fiber reinforced polyester sheet and coil, and custom laminated products primarily used in the recreational vehicle (“RV”) …read more.

Saturday, the city of Plymouth celebrated the grand opening of its new downtown park, River Park Square, and also unveiled its new logo and branding campaign. Hundreds were on hand for the park’s ribbon cutting ceremony this past weekend, including US Senator Joe Donnelly. River Park Square is a long-planned redevelopment of part of the …read more.

Fort Wayne-based Parkview Health System Inc. is planning to sell two senior care facilities in Columbia City to another Hoosier company. In a notice to the state, Parkview expects the deal with Miller’s Health Systems Inc. to affect more than 50 workers in September. Miller’s Health Systems runs more than 30 Miller’s Merry Manor locations …read more.

Agdia Incorporated, a local biotechnology company specializing in detection of plant pathogens, has moved a majority of its operations into its new 50,000 sq/ft world headquarters. Construction of the facility began in September of 2012 and was completed in May of 2014. The company will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony June 13th for employees, …read more.

An Elkhart-based audio components supplier will play a significant role in one of the world’s largest sporting events. Crown Audio is supplying amplifiers and speakers to nine of the 12 stadiums hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which starts today in Brazil. Senior Director of Marketing and Engineering Marc Kellom says the company’s experience in …read more.

Franklin Electric Co. Inc. (Nasdaq:FELE) announced today that it has acquired Bombas Leao S.A., based in Monte Azul Paulista, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Bombas Leao designs, manufactures, and distributes submersible groundwater pumping equipment through manufacturing facilities in Monte Azul Paulista, Teresina and a distribution facility in Recife. In 2013 Bombas Leao net revenues were …read more.

Thor Industries Inc. (NYSE:THO) today announced financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended April 30. Highlights of the Company’s financial results follow: Sales from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2014 were $1.05 billion, up 13 percent from $929.8 million in the third quarter last year, as sales of towable …read more.

Thor Industries Inc. (NYSE: THO) today announced expansion plans for its Bison Coach subsidiary with the acquisition of a 55,000 square-foot production facility located on approximately 9 acres in Milford. In addition to the facility, the company also agreed to purchase approximately 20 acres of additional land that can be used for future expansion as …read more.

Sweetwater, a retailer of music instruments and audio equipment in the U.S., will present GearFest ‘14, a celebration of musicians and the instruments and equipment they use to make music, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 6, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at 5501 U.S. 30 W., Fort …read more.

Parkview Health officials today announced Gary Adkins, CEO, Paulding County Hospital, has accepted the position of president, Parkview Noble Hospital. Adkins has served as CEO at Paulding County Hospital for 13 years. Adkins replaces Dave Hunter who will retire on Tuesday, July 3, after serving as president of Parkview Noble Hospital since 2002. Adkins will …read more.

Ben’s Soft Pretzels announces the signing of a master lease agreement with Walmart Stores based in, Bentonville, Ark. This agreement will allow Ben’s Soft Pretzels to enter new and exciting markets in Indiana and throughout the United States. Plans are in motion for multiple stores to open this year. The first to open will be stores …read more.

According to Inside INdiana Business, downtown South Bend is calling a recent power outage “disruptive and devastating” to the city. The organization estimates the interruption had a $3 million negative economic impact on businesses. Inside INdiana Business reports that in a memo to the city, businesses, the power company and local media, the organization says …read more.

Acting on a request from State Representative Terri J. Austin (D-Anderson), Indiana lawmakers are set to spend part of this interim examining ways the state can assist and partner in the continued growth and success of Indiana’s medical device industry, which employs more than 20,000 Hoosiers and generates more than $10 billion in revenue annually. …read more.

ICON Exhibits LLC, d/b/a Group Delphi, a designer and producer of exhibits for events, tradeshows, museums and retail marketplaces, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 99 new jobs by 2017. Group Delphi will invest more than $4 million to lease and equip a new 200,000 square-foot facility at Zubrick and …read more.

More than 4,000 bowlers will make their way to South Bend over the next six weekends. The United States Bowling Congress Midwest Women’s Tournament is being held in Indiana for the first time, with 932 teams coming from 30 states, plus Canada. Competition is set to take place at Chippewa Bowl every weekend from Friday, …read more.

According to Inside INdiana Business, Indianapolis will not host the 2018 Super Bowl. The National Football League team owners voted today to instead award the game to Minneapolis. The other finalist for the game is reportedly New Orleans. Inside INdiana Business reports that Indianapolis was eliminated in the second round of voting. During the bidding …read more.

Verizon Wireless has expanded its newest technology, known as XLTE, to 15 Indiana locations to boost 4G LTE network capacity and enhance high-speed services for customers. More than half of Verizon’s 4G LTE 500-plus markets have been enhanced with XLTE, with more scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The Indiana markets …read more.

According to Inside INdiana Business, business at AM General in South Bend is picking up. In January, the manufacturer announced 200 workers would be recalled at another St. Joseph County operation to produce MV-1. Last week, AM General detailed a Canadian distribution deal for the handicapped-accessible vehicle. According to AM General Spokesman Jeff Adams, “I can confirm …read more.

Mad Anthonys has named Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and Tom Kelley, president of Kelley Automotive Group and one of Fort Wayne’s most accomplished amateur golfers, its 2014 Red Coat recipients. Pence was elected Indiana’s 50th governor in November 2012. Prior to that, he represented the state’s sixth congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives …read more.

Nello Corporation Inc., a global designer and fabricator of galvanized steel towers and poles, announced plans today to relocate its Fort Worth, Texas, operations to Indiana, creating up to 639 new jobs by 2023. The South Bend-headquartered company plans to invest millions of dollars to move its Texas operations to a 200,000-square-foot facility in South …read more.

Charter Communications Inc. and Comcast Corporation today announced that former Insight Communications Inc. co-founder and CEO and 40-year cable industry veteran Michael S. Willner, has agreed to serve as president and chief executive officer of “SpinCo,” the new cable company that will be spun off from Comcast upon completion of the Comcast – Time Warner …read more.

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging local residents to take the online Riverfront Fort Wayne Uses and Activities survey. The survey can be found at www.riverfrontfw.org/survey and will take just a minute or two to complete. It is available online through June 20. The Riverfront Uses and Activities survey is designed to collect input …read more.

The Ash Brokerage Corporation and Hanning & Bean Enterprises development, which will continue the positive momentum and transformation of downtown Fort Wayne and bring new jobs to the community, has reached a milestone with the signing of development agreements. The agreements are contracts that allow the city of Fort Wayne to move forward with seeking …read more.

Universal Bearings, LLC, a manufacturer of loose needles and needle bearings, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 78 new jobs by 2017. The company, a subsidiary of South Korea-based Hanwha Group, will invest $39.1 million to construct and equip a new 100,000 square-foot building on its 13-acre campus in Bremen. …read more.

Fox Products, a manufacturer of double reed woodwind instruments, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 30 new jobs by 2017. “From the honk of a car horn to the low tones of a Fox Products bassoon, Hoosier companies are singing Indiana’s tune as the best place to build the world’s …read more.

CTS Corporation (NYSE: CTS) announced today first quarter 2014 results. Revenues of $100.7 million, an increase of 2.7 percent compared to first quarter of 2013 were noted by the company. GAAP earnings from continuing operations of $5.1 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to $3.0 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, in the first quarter …read more.

Michigan-based Aggressive Manufacturing Innovations, Inc. (AMI) plans to open its second manufacturing facility in Plymouth, adding 200 jobs by 2016. This week, the Plymouth City Council approved a tax abatement for AMI’s nearly $4 million dollar investment in the city. Founded in 2000, AMI is a privately-held manufacturer of metal tubular assemblies and systems, providing …read more.

Asher Agency, a full-service advertising, marketing and public relations agency, has opened an Indianapolis office to service existing and new clients. Asher is headquartered in Fort Wayne and also has offices in Atlanta, Ga.; Cary, N.C.; Lexington, Ky.; and Oklahoma City, Okla.; and one soon opening in Charleston, W.Va. Margaret Davidson has been hired as …read more.

Drew Industries Incorporated (NYSE: DW), a leading supplier of components for recreational vehicles (RVs) and manufactured homes, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lippert Components, Inc., has entered into a 6-year aluminum extrusion supply agreement with Atrium Windows and Doors, Inc. (“Atrium”), a Dallas, Texas based aluminum extrusion business. Concurrently, Lippert Components sold certain of …read more.

Owners of state-inspected meat and poultry plants now have the opportunity to expand their markets to customers across state lines. Today, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to join the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Agreement program. Under CIS, approved meat plants may ship products outside of …read more.

Targamite LLC, a privately held company, announced today it has secured $325,000 in raised capital. The robotics company produces advanced tactical training platforms, including the world’s first portable, computer-controlled target system – called the Targabot – with both predictable and unpredictable behavioral characteristics. Elevate Ventures led the round with $100,000 through the Indiana Angel Network …read more.

Lippert Components Inc. announced today that it has entered into a 12 1/2-year agreement to lease a 539,000-square-foot building at 1902 W. Sample St., South Bend, where it will consolidate its aftermarket parts sales and Customer Support Services operations. “We are excited about the opportunities that South Bend brings to Lippert Components,” said LCI President …read more.

The monthly revenue report of March 2014 state tax collections was released today. State general fund revenues for March were $14.5 million (1.4 percent) above the estimate based on the Dec. 20, forecast and $106.6 million (11.6 percent) above collections in March 2013. Sales tax collections were $521.6 million for March, which is $19.1 million …read more.

The second of two job fairs will be conducted April 5 to fill 40 production positions at Guardian Automotive Products Inc. in Ligonier. The positions start at $12.50 an hour and there is an opportunity for incremental increases in the first year to $14.50. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or the equivalent …read more.

Supreme Industries Inc., a leading manufacturer of specialized commercial vehicles including truck bodies and specialty vehicles, today announced the previously disclosed sale of its shuttle bus assets to Forest River Inc., has closed. A small gain on the sale is anticipated to be recorded in the first quarter period ending March 29, 2014. Additional information …read more.

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) marked the opening of the Seaway’s 56th navigation season today, with the transit of Algoma Central Corporation’s newly built ship, the Algoma Equinox, through Lock 3 of the Welland Canal. The vessel is the first of eight Equinox-class ships that are being purpose-built for trade in the St. …read more.

Ameritrans Bus Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of small to mid-size transportation vehicles, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 35 new jobs by 2017. The Elkhart-based company, which was acquired by Faribault, Minnesota-based ABC Companies in 2012, will invest $429,384 to renovate and equip its new 60,000 square-foot facility at …read more.

Grand Design Recreational Vehicle Company has announced the opening of a third production facility. In an interview, Don Clark, president and co-owner of Grand Design RV said, “The overwhelming demand by dealers and retail customers for Grand Design’s Reflection mid-profile fifth wheels necessitated the opening of our third facility. We are now producing our popular …read more.

A national publication’s annual list of the world’s billionaires again includes four from Indiana. Forbes says Cook Group Inc. Co-Founder Gayle Cook’s net worth increased since last March. Herb Simon, Dean White and Jim Irsay all dropped in the ranking. Cook founded Bloomington-based Cook Medical Group with her late-husband Bill. She places 240th in the world with …read more.

Parkview Health recently introduced several structural changes focused on helping to improve the health and well-being of northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Sue Ehinger, serving as president of Parkview Regional Medical Center and Parkview Hospital Randallia from 2012 until January of 2014, has recently transitioned into the newly created role of chief experience officer. In …read more.

The board of directors of the Indiana High Speed Rail Association recently voted to change the name of the organization. Depending on approval from the state of Indiana, the group will soon become known as the Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance. The board members see the name change as supportive of the ongoing effort to promote …read more.

Elkhart-based CTS Corporation (NYSE: CTS) announced today that it intends to consolidate its Canadian operation in Streetsville, Ontario, into other existing CTS facilities. The consolidation process is expected to be completed in the first half 2015. Operations at the Canadian facility will be transferred to CTS’ facilities in Mexico and China. The decision to consolidate the …read more.

State legislators are set to take up a number of key bills today. Among them, the House Ways and Means Committee is slated to hear a Senate proposal involving the business personal property tax. Governor Mike Pence has pushed the concept of phasing out the business personal property tax as a way of drawing more …read more.

A bill that will allow the distribution of alcohol at the Indiana State Fair has officially passed through the House Public Policy Committee and Senate and will now go before the Indiana House. According to Inside INdiana Business, alcohol sales have been banned since 1947 and could potentially add an additional revenue stream of approximately …read more.

Undergraduate tuition at the University of Notre Dame will increase 3.8 percent for the 2014-15 academic year to $46,237. The rate of increase matches that of the previous three years, which was the lowest since 1960. With average room and board rates of $13,224, total student charges will be $59,461. In a letter to parents …read more.

Thor Industries Inc. (NYSE: THO) today announced an expansion of production capacity for its motorhomes through an agreement to purchase a 220,000-square-foot facility located in Elkhart, which was formerly used to produce Monaco towable recreational vehicles. The additional production capacity will be used to meet continued strong demand for products produced by the Company’s Thor …read more.

The Indiana Senate has passed the one-sentence version of a proposed amendment to further define marriage in the state Constitution. According to Inside INdiana Business, the measure does not include any much-debated language involving domestic partner benefits and civil unions. State Senator Mike Delph (R-29) had hoped the Senate would return the measure to second …read more.

According to Inside INdiana Business, the Indiana Senate is set to debate today the proposed constitutional amendment that would further define marriage. The chamber could restore language concerning domestic partner benefits and civil unions. Bingham Greenbaum Doll lawyer Mike Limrick says anyone who says they know how the phrasing would be applied is “probably lying …read more.

Ivy Tech Community College’s State Board of Trustees has announced an additional regional structural change. The North Central district (Elkhart, South Bend and Warsaw) is among those that will see regional structural changes. The State Board of Trustees asked college leadership to take steps to combine the Bloomington and Southwest (Evansville and Tell City) regions into …read more.

Another key vote is scheduled this afternoon at the Statehouse for a proposed constitutional amendment that further defines marriage. The full House is slated to take up the divisive issue again today. Supporters believe marriage should be defined as between one man and one woman, while opponents say the proposal would negatively-impact employers efforts to …read more.

Several universities in the state have received high marks from a national publication for online programs. In the annual rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Indiana University Bloomington placed first among the “Best Online Business Graduate Programs” and IPFW was eighth in the category of “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.” The publication considered factors including …read more.

Several companies from Indiana will have exhibition space this week at one of the largest technology events in the world. Companies including Spiceland-based Draper Inc., Standzout in Evansville and Elkhart-based MITO Corp. will be taking part in the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The event begins Tuesday. The International Consumer Electronics Show website …read more.

Biomet Inc., a global leader in the manufacture of musculoskeletal and biotechnology products, announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Lanx Inc., a full service spine company and a leader in minimally invasive techniques and technologies. The pending acquisition would expand Biomet Spine’s technology portfolio through the addition of innovative products …read more.

Inside INdiana Business reports today the battle over the state’s right to work law is headed to the Indiana Supreme Court. Lake County Superior Court Judge John Sedia ruled the law violates the state constitution. Sedia ruled the law violates the section of the state constitution that does not allow services “without just compensation.” A …read more.

Poly-Wood Inc. recently broke ground on a 42,260 square foot addition that will link two of their existing buildings in Syracuse. The building will allow for extra manufacturing space and also includes plans for a showroom to display their 26 varied styles of outdoor furniture. This is the company’s fifth expansion in 3 years. They …read more.

Zentis, the leading fruit processing company in the United States and Europe, today announced plans to build a new manufacturing facility in the state of Idaho. This milestone in Zentis’ expansion within the U.S. adds a 100,000 square foot plant with more than 100 million pounds of production capacity and will be fully operational in …read more.

New federal regulations aimed at reducing crashes from sleep-deprived drivers have put tractor trailers in a jam of a different sort—amounting to a loss in productivity, says the Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA). The organization’s vice president, Barbara Hunt, says stricter rules that shorten the workweek are not only hurting business, but making it even …read more.

Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC in Elkhart has acquired a Nappanee-based trailer manufacturer. Both are subsidiaries of Elkhart-based Thor Industries (NYSE: THO). Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC today announced the acquisition of the assets of Breckenridge, a market leader in the park model business. The acquisition is designed to maximize sales and increase market share in the …read more.

The chief executive officer of the Indiana Youth Institute says summer teen employment could return to pre-recession levels this summer. Bill Stanczykiewicz says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting more openings at businesses that tend to hire teenagers including restaurants, amusement parks and landscaping companies. He says increased employment benefits teens beyond a …read more.

Northwest Indiana Forum President Mark Maassel says the region is seeing “exciting growth” in sectors including metals and health care. The organization will reveal results of an economic indicators report this morning. Maassel says it shows the need to “move more quickly” to increase higher education degree attainment. Findings on the state of the region’s …read more.

The Ivy Tech Community College State Board of Trustees approved the merging of two of the College’s 14 administrative regions. Effective immediately the College’s Northwest and North Central regions will be combined to create a single yet to be named administrative region. Dr. Thomas G. Coley who currently serves as the North Central Chancellor and …read more.

Today, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International unveiled new economic data which finds that the unmanned aircraft industry is poised to create more than 1,067 new jobs in the first three years following the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into U.S. national airspace system. Integration is scheduled to take place in 2015. Beyond the …read more.

An assistant professor of sport and fitness marketing at Indiana University says if the University of Notre Dame wins the Bowl Championship Series title game tonight, the school’s already-strong brand will hit an “all-time high.” Antonio Williams tells Inside INdiana Business, even if the Fighting Irish lose to the University of Alabama tonight, the school …read more.

The president of Bloomington-based Cook Medical tells Inside INdiana, “Despite ‘considerable disappointment’ that the fiscal cliff deal did not include a delay in a new medical device tax, the company will continue efforts to lobby lawmakers and the public.” According to Kem Hawkins, the tax will cost Cook $20 million this year and slow down …read more.

Grace College will co-host a community conversation, “Competing for the Future,”  from 8 a.m. to noon tomorrow in the Orthopaedic Capital Center, Winona Lake. This session’s topic is “The role of community in building world-class talent.” The series is part of the Community Conversations program, organized and facilitated by Indiana Humanities and the Bowen Center …read more.

Kosciusko County residents are invited to attend a Community Conversation on Oct. 30 at Grace College called “Competing for the future: The role of community in building world-class talent.” The event will feature guest speakers and breakout sessions for attendees to discuss ways to maximize Kosciusko County’s strengths and position it for the future. The …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Twenty-five companies from 13 counties have been named to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s fifth annual “Companies to Watch” list. Multiple companies from northern Indiana — Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend and Fort Wane — made the list. The employers anticipate having combined revenues of more than $282 million and plan to create more …read more.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard announced plans this morning to pursue the 2018 Super Bowl. The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee and community leaders met this morning to discuss the economic impact of this year’s Super Bowl — and they liked what they heard. An independent study estimates the economic impact of Super Bowl 46 …read more.

Indiana is essentially holding steady on a prominent national list of best states to do business. It is 14th in this year’s rankings compiled by CNBC, up one spot from last year. The business news network ranks Indiana 7th for cost of living, but 40th for quality of life. While the list attracts national attention, Indiana …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A deal has been reached to keep a popular Indianapolis entertainment venue open. The Athenaeum Foundation and operators of The Rathskeller have agreed to save the Biergarten and allow concerts to continue at the outdoor location. The deal calls for the Biergarten to hold an annual fundraiser to help with foundation expenses. The …read more.

This is an important day for employees and businesses across Indiana and our nation. The Committee on Ways and Means in the U.S. House of Representatives, with support from both parties, passed legislation 23-11 to repeal a medical device tax. The excise tax, which is scheduled to go into effect in January, would harm innovative …read more.