GARY, Ind. (WLS) — A multi-million dollar investment is set to create hundreds of jobs in Gary, Indiana, as leaders gathered Thursday for the groundbreaking of a new FedEx distribution center.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton says this is the perfect time for growth and expansion. As the city continues its revitalization efforts, elected officials see the new FedEx facility as a key driver to bring much-needed economic boost to the area.
“We sold this property probably about three or four months ago, as we put it for bid, and we had the highest and best use come before us,” Melton said. “And we’re extremely proud that this project is going to be a FedEx facility.”
The groundbreaking marked the start of construction on a more than 300,000-square-foot FedEx distribution center, which will be located along Buffington Harbor Drive, near the Gary Chicago International Airport.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun expressed optimism about the project, saying, “That’s going to inspire a lot of other people to invest here. It’s going to give a lot of confidence in our state government to help make sure it’s a comeback.”
This $60 million project is just one of many ongoing efforts to revitalize Gary. Recently, U.S. Steel announced a $200 million investment in its steel plant in Gary following its merger with Japan’s Nippon Steel.
Mayor Melton highlighted the broader impact of these investments: “That’s going to yield residual tax benefits that we can invest in our infrastructure, which we’re doing right now. It is going to invest in our public safety. So we’re extremely excited about that.”
In addition to these projects, the city of Gary is partnering with the University of Notre Dame to redesign and transform its downtown area. Mayor Melton also shared that the city recently received a $15 million grant from the state to continue blight elimination efforts.
The FedEx distribution center is expected to open in 2027 and create approximately 600 jobs, primarily in distribution and logistics.
This significant development signals a bright future for Gary as it pushes forward with growth and revitalization initiatives.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/gary-indiana-officials-gather-celebrate-groundbreaking-new-fedex-distribution-center-will-bring-hundreds-jobs/17926081/
