Smaller companies leading manufacturing growth in Northwest Indiana

Manufacturing continues to be a key economic driver in the state and region, contributing almost $100 billion to Indiana's gross domestic product and employing more than 520,000 Hoosiers last year, according to state officials.

While steel remains a major manufacturer in the region, employing thousands, state officials and area professors said it's the small- and medium-sized manufacturers here, like Urschel Labs in Chesterton and newcomer Hoist Liftruck in East Chicago, that are leading the growth charge.

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