Major company possibily coming to Ripley County
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

The possibility of a major expansion of a well-known company settling in Ripley County has people talking.

A number of property owners have received letters via FedEx letting them know the company is interested in buying their land. A meeting was scheduled for tonight, April 6, where property owners from both Decatur and Ripley counties would meet. The particulars of that meeting were not disclosed. Some officials believe the project could take between 500 and 600 acres.

In the letters, property owners were told the company interested in purchasing their land would bring a substantial project to their community. It noted the project would result in more than $200 million of investment and could create over 700 ‘well-paying’ jobs. They were told they would be offered a significant premium for their land.

While the meeting is set to take place at the Knights of Columbus, only those with letters-in-hand will be allowed into the meeting. The letter will serve as an official pass to gain entry to the secret meeting.

Governor Mitch Daniels stated, “I have notified mayors and local officials in Decatur and Ripley counties that the state is working with a well-known company that is considering their communities for a major expansion of its operations.”

President of Ripley County Commissioners Robert Reiners said he was notified on Tuesday of this week and is excited about the opportunity for the county. “It sounds like it would be a fantastic opportunity for economic growth, which we truly need,” he noted. The property being considered in Ripley County is south of the Morris area.

Some factors in getting the company to settle here will have to do with the ability to obtain land quickly and having a site ready.

“In jobs and capital investment, the project has excellent potential for Indiana,” the governor said. “Indiana is a leading contender for this investment, but the ability to assemble a site rapidly will be the critical factor. For obvious business reasons, the identity of the potential investor and many other specifics cannot be disclosed for now, but I can confirm that this possibility is real and represents a remarkable opportunity for our state,” he concluded.

Reiners said he was also told the company was a “major household name” but that name was not disclosed to him.

The possibility of a major company coming to the area has people excited even if they only have limited information about the project. Media outlets have been given limited information on the multi-million dollar project that could have a huge impact on the area for years to come.

Speculation from area residents have people wondering if the company is an automotive manufacturer of some type.