Auto company ties progress to Obama’s speech
By Abbey Doyle The Herald Bulletin
ANDERSON, Ind. — Bright Automotive is asking that its Department of Energy loan application be swiftly processed so it can “heed President Obama’s call to create American jobs and spur the development of alternative energy technology.”
Anderson-based Bright has been waiting for word on a [...]
Flagship Enterprise Center Announces New Addition to Flagship Park
Anderson, Ind. – The Flagship Enterprise Center (FEC) has announced its latest expansion, the construction of a light manufacturing and prototyping facility designed to house up to eight companies. The building will join three other buildings within the Flagship Campus, the Flagship Enterprise Center, the Energy Systems Center and the Anderson University Flagship Center. The project is made possible in large part through a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce and a financial commitment from the City of Anderson.
The new facility will have 80,000 square feet of floor space with a 32-foot interior height. Exterior walls will be made of pre-stressed, insulated concrete panels and the building will house twelve docks and two drive-in bays. In addition, the facility will be LEED certified, utilizing geo-thermal HVAC units, passive solar panels, and green construction practices. An Anderson based architecture firm, krM Architecture, has been selected to design the building. Construction bidding is anticipated to begin in late December, with construction commencing in late spring. Mike Montgomery, principal at krM Architecture, says he’s excited about the project for a number of reasons. “The building will have a few unique items not typical in a facility like this,” explains Montgomery. “We’re focusing on low energy consumption and moving toward LEED certification. Also, the facility’s high structural height makes it very flexible and able to accommodate a variety of manufacturers.”
According to Charles Staley, President and CEO of the Flagship Enterprise Center, the EDA helped fund the facility with the intent of creating jobs and encouraging private investment in Anderson and the surrounding areas. “We are extremely grateful to Secretary Locke and the Economic Development Administration for the grant which will make this new building possible,” says Staley. “The timing couldn’t have been better. The Flagship is near full occupancy and we are having ongoing discussions with potential investors and companies.”
The project will cost approximately $4 million, with $2.7 million being funded through a grant from the EDA. Additionally, the City of Anderson will provide $400,000 with the remaining amount covered by a loan secured by the FEC. “The land was purchased from the Corporation for Economic Development,” says Staley. “We are very appreciative for their support and collaboration on this project.”
Created through a partnership between Anderson University and the City of Anderson, the Flagship Enterprise Center serves as a small business incubator and growth stage business accelerator. Through its client-specific Client Support Program, the FEC helps emerging companies to become independently viable. Located at I-69 and exit 22 in Anderson, the FEC provides ongoing contact with management consultants, university researchers, student mentoring opportunities and access to capital. For more information, contact DeWayne Landwehr at (765) 622-0800 or visit the FEC website at www.flagshipenterprise.org.