Lake County is not only known as the home of the giant steelmakers. It has a diverse and unique identity of its own, which makes it a good place for start-up companies and relocations.
One key asset is location. Lake County is one of the hubs in middle-America’s economic activity. A network of major highways makes it easily accessible to the flow of goods that a strong economy represents. The Indiana Toll Road, Interstate 80-94, Interstate 65, US 41, and US 30, for example, are just a few of the major arteries in and out of Lake County. It is only a 35-minute drive from the heart of Lake County to the heart of neighboring Chicago. Nearly 100 truck lines serve the area, and 11 railings add to the versatility and convenience of transportation. Expanding airport facilities provide service for corporate and business needs.
In addition, there is Lake Michigan, with its abundant water supply. Along with its proximity to urban resources, much of Lake County's most productive lands have been retained in agricultural production. Lake County has about 80,000 acres of corn and 50,000 acres of soybeans.
No business environment can remain healthy and no economy can prosper without a solid, trusted and versatile banking base. The nine banks and a dozen savings and loan institutions give Lake County an edge. No business in Lake County is more than a few minutes away from a bank.
Lake County Community Economic Development Department provides business finance services through a variety of programs. It provides access to business capital through the Lake County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and a number of other business finance and business assistance programs. This can be direct assistance or indirect assistance via referral. Funding sources includeCommunity Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans, the Indiana Department of Commerce (IDOC), Tax Increment: (TIF) and Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (IDBs), and loan participation with the Commercial Banking Community.
When you are seeking a new location for an existing business or to start up a new company first and foremost you are looking for a stable and expansive infrastructure, a co-operative local government, and a supportive labor force. These are the essentials of a productive business climate.
Quality schools, excellent health care facilities, convenient shopping, and homes available in neighborhoods that reflect a pleasant, rewarding way of living are all available in Lake County.
***MAJOR INDUSTRIES***
Cedar Lake
Grand Rapids Sash and Door
Product: warehouse, shipping No. of employees: 20
Cedar Lake Sheet Metal
Product: sheet metal fabricating No. of employees: 13
MM & M Electric
Product: electrical machine work No. of employees: 10
Certified Concrete Inc.
Product: ready mixed concrete No. of employees: 8
Ottosons Industries Inc.
Product: machine work, hydraulic air cylinder repair No. of employees: 9
Vanco Machine and Engineering
Product: injection molded plastic and medical parts No. of employees: 14
Courtney Frame Co.
Product: wooden picture frames No. of employees: 3
Hobart
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
Product: continuous caster & mechanical repair No. of employees: 115
Coil-Tran Corp.
Product: electric coils & transformers No. of employees: 103
Indiana Botanic Gardens
Product: herbal products
No. of employees: 90
Gladwin Indiana
Product: mill services
No. of employees: 30
Air-Tek, Inc./Catco
Product: catalytic converters
No. of employees: 50
Midwest Products
Product: micro-cut balsa wood sheets & blocks, model airplane kits, miniature powered planes No. of employees: 80
Area Sheet Metal Inc.
Product: sheet metal fabrication No. of employees: 49
Plant Openings in the last 5 yrs.: Indiana Botanic Gardens, 1990; Gladwin Indiana, 1994; Air-Tek, Inc./Catco, 1993
Lowell
Ashland Products
Avery Dennison
Saco Industries, Inc.
Midwest Accurate Griding
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
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