Columbus opens machine and vehicle innovation center with $9.1M investment

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) — Columbus on Tuesday marked the opening of the Advanced Machine and Vehicle Innovation Center.

The center was designed to serve as a regional hub for next-generation commercial vehicles, machines, and power-systems innovation, said a news release from Mike Wolanin, communications manager for the Columbus city government. The facility is 983 S. Marr Road, on the southeast edge of Columbus.

The Columbus Redevelopment Commission invested $1.07 million for training materials, equipment, and workforce development. The funds will be spread over five years. Additional funding includes $1 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative dollars from the state government, and more than $7 million from private investors. Total funding exceeds $9.1 million.

State and local leaders, including Republicans Gov. Mike Braun and Mayor Mary Ferdon, spoke during the ceremony. Braun called Columb...