Secretary Goodrich Traveled to Japan to Woo Investment

The state aims to build on $10 billion in Japanese capital to bolster local manufacturing and regional job growth.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Manufacturing

Secretary Goodrich Traveled to Japan to Woo Investment

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Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich visited Japan the week of October 13, 2026, to meet with executives and strengthen international business ties. The state currently hosts roughly 290 Japanese facilities that support nearly 62,000 jobs across 60 counties.

Why it matters

Japanese firms account for over 27% of Indiana's international businesses, making them a primary driver of capital expenditure in the state's industrial sector. This trip seeks to sustain that pipeline of foreign direct investment following $10 billion in outlays since 2005.

Japanese companies currently support 62,000 jobs in Indiana, representing over 27% of the state's international business base. Significant current commitments include $3.1 billion for U.S. Steel modernization and a $400 million investment from Sustainea.

The players

Chuck Goodrich

The Indiana Secretary of Commerce responsible for overseeing state economic development strategies and international business recruitment.

Toyota Material Handling North America

A major industrial equipment manufacturer currently developing a $100 million factory in Columbus, Indiana.

U.S. Steel

A major steel producer currently undergoing a $3.1 billion plant modernization at its Gary Works facility.

Sustainea

An industrial firm currently planning its first U.S. operation in Indiana with a $400 million investment.

Indiana Economic Development Foundation

The private-sector-supported foundation that provides funding for state economic development initiatives.

The details

The mission targets high-value manufacturing sectors, building on ongoing projects like the $100 million Toyota Material Handling factory in Columbus and a $200 million production expansion in Princeton. These developments involve complex cross-border logistics and regional supply chain integration that state officials aim to incentivize through direct executive engagement. The $25,000 cost of the trip is funded through personal contributions and the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.

Since 2005: Japanese companies invested over $10 billion in Indiana.
September 2026: Midwest-U.S. Japan Association meeting held in Indianapolis.
Week of October 13, 2026: Chuck Goodrich traveled to Japan.

Market Landscape

The 56th annual joint meeting of the Midwest-U.S. Japan Association held in Indianapolis provided a high-level networking framework that the Secretary's follow-up trip to Japan effectively operationalizes. This mission marks an effort to maintain the state's momentum in attracting large-scale industrial projects.

Operators in the manufacturing supply chain should monitor these large-scale facility investments for potential new demand or partnership opportunities. Keep an eye on local workforce development signals and expansion timelines linked to the major projects in Gary, Columbus, and Princeton.

The takeaway

Large-scale foreign investment continues to shift Indiana's manufacturing capacity and labor needs. Monitor the progress of the 140 new jobs at the Toyota Columbus facility as an indicator of the state's success in converting these high-level diplomatic missions into tangible industrial growth.