Southeast Indiana Growth: River Ridge, Redwire and Canadian Solar

Southeast Indiana growth is accelerating as River Ridge Commerce Center, Redwire and Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville drive major investment in logistics, advanced manufacturing, space research and energy. From the Ohio River, the program looks at a region shifting from an economy long defined by traditional manufacturing toward a broader mix of logistics, technology and new investment. Lance Allison, CEO of One Southern Indiana, says Clark, Floyd and Scott counties have attracted $3 billion in capital investment over the past three years, while quality of life projects such as Origin Park are becoming part of the region's competitive strategy. A $25 million federal grant for Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville will expand cargo operations and increase heavy-lift capacity. At Redwire's new 30,000-square-foot Georgetown facility, researchers work with NASA and pharmaceutical partners on microgravity projects, including higher-quality seed crystals and 3D bioprinted human tissue. Redwire's SpaceMD venture is focused on health, medical and biotech work tied to space research. River Ridge Commerce Center is also central to the region's energy story. CS PowerTech, a Canadian Solar subsidiary, has opened a nearly 1 million-square-foot solar cell facility backed by a $1 billion investment and expected to create 1,200 jobs at full capacity. The plant is using heterojunction technology designed to increase energy production. Also covered: Lilly's planned acquisition of Merida Biosciences, Purdue Fort Wayne's new music industry building, Harry & Izzy's expansion into Arizona, and other statewide business headlines.