GARY, Ind. (WLS) – A multi-million dollar investment is set to create hundreds of jobs in Gary, Indiana. City leaders gathered Thursday for the groundbreaking of a new FedEx distribution center, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton emphasized that this is the right time for growth and expansion. He noted that the new FedEx facility will provide a 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 best use come before us,” Melton said. “And we’re extremely proud that this project is going to be a FedEx facility.”
The new distribution center will span more than 300,000 square feet and will be located along Buffington Harbor Drive, near the Gary Chicago International Airport.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun expressed optimism about the project’s impact. “That’s going to inspire a lot of other people to invest here,” he said. “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 one of many ongoing efforts aimed at revitalizing Gary. Recently, U.S. Steel announced a $200 million investment in the Gary steel plant following its merger with Japan’s Nippon Steel.
Mayor Melton highlighted the wider benefits of such investments. “That’s going to yield residual tax benefits that we can invest in our infrastructure, which we’re doing right now,” he said. “It is going to invest in our public safety. So we’re extremely excited about that.”
In addition to the FedEx project, the city of Gary is partnering with the University of Notre Dame to redesign and transform its downtown area. The city also recently received a $15 million grant from the state to continue blight elimination efforts.
The FedEx facility is expected to open in 2027 and is projected to create approximately 600 jobs in the fields of distribution and logistics, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/gary-indiana-officials-gather-celebrate-groundbreaking-new-fedex-distribution-center-will-bring-hundreds-jobs/17926081/
