With Chad Aker, President of the Jay County Commissioners, the county invests in new opportunities while preserving the character that makes it an attractive place to live and work. Jay County sets the stage for long-term growth and prosperity from infrastructure upgrades to broadband expansion and housing developments. “Overall, our economic landscape is robust,”Aker says. “Like any other place, we could use higher wages and more factory jobs, but we have a lot going on here.There are activities for people of all ages, from sporting events to our renowned festivals. We take pride in our strong sense of community.” DIVERSE INDUSTRIES DRIVING EMPLOYMENT A diverse range of industries bolsters Jay County’s economic strength, each providing valuable employment opportunities and contributing to the county’s growing workforce. Major employers such as FCC, which produces clutches for the automotive industry, and Ardagh Glass, known for manufacturing glass bottles distributed nationwide, play a vital role in the country’s prosperity. MSSL, specializing in automotive wiring harnesses, and Moser Engineering, globally recognized for its high-performance axles, further contribute to the local economy. “Moser Engineering is known worldwide for its race car and hot rod axles,” Aker says. “And we have Pioneer Packaging, which started in pallet making and expanded into farm animal bedding, showing how businesses here adapt and evolve.” The county’s industrial portfolio also includes Tyson Mexican Originals, a major supplier of taco shells and flatbreads for well-known restaurant chains. Pennville Custom Cabinetry is a leading manufacturer of custom kitchen and interior cabinets, while Sonoco produces foam packaging and injection-molded materials, offering solutions for multiple industries. Fisher Packing Company, a well-regarded butcher shop, attracts customers from across the state for its high-quality meats and custom butchering services. The industrial expansion in Jay County is also creating a surge in demand for skilled labor across various sectors. “Many of our companies 145 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03 JAY COUNTY, IN
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