Michigan City has a well-deserved and hard-earned reputation as one of the region’s most diversified industrial communities. The flexible manufacturing base includes more than 85 various manufacturing firms that are proud to call Michigan City home. Continual expansion and upgrading meet ever-changing market demands. The small-town atmosphere and big-city work ethic, with an emphasis on values and friendship, provide a stable economy and excellent growth opportunities for new business. A company also can expect many of the benefits associated with a major metropolitan area without the accompanying high taxes, expenses or congestion.

Two industrial parks form a strong development center for relocation and expansion of urban businesses as more companies continue to reduce overhead and seek lower operating costs. The Millennium Business Park is under development on US 35/20 and is easily accessible, with daily rail service available. The Tonn and Blank Industrial Park is a "diamond in the rough" offering build-to-suit and development-ready parcels divisible to five acres. The three multi-tenant industrial sites will accommodate manufacturing, warehouse and distribution centers.

The Michigan City Enterprise Center, home to such high-quality tenants as Federal Express, offers manufacturing and warehouse space subdividable to 20,000 sq.ft. The 500,000 sq.ft. complex has heavy power and overhead cranes with load capacity up to 20 tons, and additional acreage is available for new development of up to 20 acres. The Lake Shore Industrial Center consists of approximately 190,000 sq.ft. of manufacturing and distribution space. The facility is situated on 30 acres with quick, convenient access to I-94. The Michigan City Distribution Center offers excellent internal docking, open area warehousing and premium manufacturing space with 30-foot ceilings, 6-inch concrete pad and overhead cranes accommodating most any steel value-added manufacturing. South Shore Freight Railroad serves this facility.

The newly formed Michigan City Economic Development Corporation is a one-stop development assistance team that can facilitate all customized development incentives, ranging from significant start-up cost reductions and infrastructure assistance to long-term tax relief.

Many other advantages make Michigan City an ideal candidate for enterprise. The corporate tax base is among the lowest in the entire Midwest. Labor and material costs are reasonable and present an opportunity for greater profit margins. The labor force is highly skilled and diverse, and always ready to roll up its sleeves and put in a maximum effort.

Community banks offer incentive-laden commercial loan packages to stimulate success while the stable cost of living returns more for the dollar than elsewhere. With a firm commitment to commercial and industrial progress, innovative corporate incentives and a willing and flexible work force, Michigan City is poised to remain one of the region’s major industrial centers well into the next century.

A progressive business community is reflected by a growing and vital Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce. This group of energetic,"hands-on" business people is involved in community improvement, economic development, and legislative issues affecting business. The Mainstreet Association and Boulevard Merchants Association promote their respective business districts.

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