By Chris Schilling, The Republic Reporter
FRANKLIN — Despite thousands of jobs leaving the community in recent years, Johnson County leaders see hope in the arrival of new businesses.
Several companies have moved or expanded in Johnson County, including Aisin Holdings of America Inc.’s Franklin Logistics Center.
Aisin, an automotive parts supplier, began operations at the 147,000-square-foot logistics center in the Franklin Tech Park in February.
The center provides inventory control and distribution for North American and overseas components to Aisin’s production facilities in North America.
An $8 million operation, the Franklin Tech Park employs 50, including administrators, logistics engineers and material-handling employees.
Kenji Tsujimura, president of Aisin Holdings of America, said in a written statement that Franklin offered a quality and growing community and good location for the logistics center.
“Strategically, it is important for us to be near a major highway for convenient access to Aisin manufacturing facilities,” he said.
Local leaders said Johnson County’s proximity to Indianapolis and interstates, its two growing cities, Franklin College and quality schools make it prime for industrial growth.
“It’s so convenient,” said Cheryl Morphew, economic development director. “Prospects want to see the quality of life and that’s schools, housing, shopping. That’s all part of the decision-making process that a business goes through.”
Tsujimura said in the written statement that the company searched extensively for a location, deciding on Franklin because of the support provided by the Johnson County Development Corp., city officials and an attractive incentive package.
Franklin Mayor Brenda Jones-Matthews said the city offers tax abatements and has TIF districts to attract new companies.
Industrial parks with infrastructures already in place also help, she said.
But companies want more than tax breaks and infrastructures, she said.
They also ask about schooling and living conditions.
Franklin gives a small-town feeling while still having big- city amenities.
“That is the key,” Jones-Matthews said. “The quality of life that Franklin offers is great. It’s a good place to live. It’s safe.
“We have an excellent liberal arts college here that’s certainly a strong community member. We have a school corporation that is very strong and moving forward. People are interested in redeveloping downtown. It’s a clean town, and I think people like seeing the growth and feeling like it’s a small community.”
While Aisin represents only one business, company officials choosing Johnson County shows the community still looks attractive in the wake of losing thousands of jobs.
“(Jobs) may not return by 600 or 800 in one facility, but we are seeing some companies coming and offering jobs,” Jones-Matthews said.