Duke Energy has chosen two sites in Connersville and Westfield, Indiana, for its 2025 Site Readiness Program. The program aims to prepare promising business and industrial locations for economic development investments and promote them to companies seeking expansion or relocation opportunities.
Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana, stated, “Our economic development efforts have long been a key component of our work to power the vitality of our customers and communities. For more than a decade, we have partnered with local economic development organizations through our Site Readiness Program to help them stay competitive and market their sites and communities to prospective companies. It’s been a collaborative effort and instrumental tool to bring major economic development wins to the communities we serve – resulting in job creation, new tax dollars and investment.”
Since its inception in 2013, the Site Readiness Program has prepared 51 properties within Duke Energy’s service area. These efforts have led to 30 major projects that brought over 10,000 jobs and $14.7 billion in capital investment to Indiana.
Duke Energy collaborates with Banning Engineering and Site Selection Group to assess potential sites. After evaluation, they work with local economic development professionals on strategies for marketing these sites to industrial prospects. Each selected site receives $10,000 from Duke Energy to support preparation efforts.
The two selected locations are:
– The 100 Acre Industrial Site in Connersville is made up of three connected parcels totaling 104 acres. It is located just north of the former Visteon manufacturing plant and has accessible utilities as well as proximity to short line rail service.
Brad Colter, CEO/President of the Economic Development Group of Fayette County, said: “This partnership will allow us to take a key step forward in preparing and marketing the site for future industrial use. We appreciate Duke Energy’s investment in our region and the proactive approach the company is taking to help ensure the communities it serves are positioned for long-term economic success.”
– NorthPoint II in Westfield covers more than 169 acres next to NorthPoint Business Park. This greenfield property can support large-scale projects such as advanced manufacturing operations or corporate campuses.
Jenell Fairman, economic development director for Westfield, commented: ”NorthPoint II is an opportunity for companies to establish themselves within one of the region’s fastest-growing communities. The state-of-the-art industrial park sits directly east of the U.S. 31 corridor and offers seamless access to I-465.
From assisting in site development to aiding in the recruitment of new investment projects, we’re grateful for Duke Energy’s support and collaboration to attract businesses to NorthPoint II and the city of Westfield.”
For nearly twenty years, Duke Energy’s work has been recognized by international publication Site Selection among its annual list of “Top Utilities in Economic Development.” In 2024 alone, Duke Energy supported $7 billion in capital investment across Indiana that created more than 2,800 jobs.
Duke Energy Indiana supplies electricity from about 6,300 megawatts of owned capacity serving approximately 920,000 customers across a service area covering 23,000 square miles—making it Indiana’s largest electric provider.
Parent company Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is among America’s largest energy holding companies with electric utilities serving customers across six states including Florida.
Further information about Duke Energy can be found at duke-energy.com or through its various social media channels.
