Parks Department Receives $10,000 Donation for Soccer Field Lights
June 2002

When members of the Jefferson County Soccer Association approached the Madison Parks Department at the January meeting to ask for lights for the varsity soccer field, they knew funds were limited. Moment’s later Rick Russell, President of Midwest Tube Mills, Inc. announced that he was donating $10,000 to the Park Board toward the purchase of those lights.

Mr. Russell is the owner and President of Midwest Tube Mills, Inc. After finding the company landlocked in Edinburgh and needing to expand; the company relocated to Madison in 1999. MTM produces steel tubing for household items and furniture as well as agricultural products. In 2001, the company installed a slitting line and two additional tube mills creating 40 new jobs.

Ivy Tech Expansion
April 2002

At a news conference on Monday, April 22, 2002, the Ivy Tech Madison Campus announced a $25,000 donation from the American Legion Post 9 and its improved ranking for state funded college-building projects.

The Madison Campus is now ranked number one among the state’s Tier 2 group of Ivy Tech campuses awaiting state funding. Ivy Tech officials announced the $11.8 million expansion proposal in December. That plan was for a 40,000 square foot, two-story building that would include new laboratories, a new auditorium, a community library, a new student lounge, more computer laboratories, portable classroom walls, more parking and connections between campus buildings. An educational component that would be added would be a preservation/restoration degree program that would tie into Madison’s preservation of historic homes.

The donation by the American Legion does not fit into the building aspect of the program, but into a fund that will be used to supply the equipment and furnishings for the expansion. The donation from the American Legion serves as an early start on a community support campaign that is not scheduled to kick off until next fall. The additional funds would be used to purchase desks, chairs, computers and other accessories.

Arvin Sango, Inc. Press Dedication Ceremony
December 2001

Madison Mayor Albert G Huntington congratulates Mr. Kuniaki Kondo, President of Arvin Sango, Inc. (ASI), at Arvin Sango’s Press Dedication Ceremony unveiling the company’s new 800-ton and 2,000-ton presses. ASI is a primary supplier of exhaust system assemblies, vehicle body panel stampings and other automotive parts. The press expansion enables ASI to diversify its product line and add 15-20 full-time jobs at its Madison, Indiana facility. Bob Murphy, Director of Business Development for the Indiana Department of Commerce, also congratulated Arvin Sango on its continued success in Madison and announced a $178,000 training grant for the project.
Photo compliments of Dianne Birge.

Rotary Lift's Top New Product
December 2001

Rotary Lift’s "inbay technology" has been selected as a top new product in Motor magazine’s annual award selections. The inbay technology introduces computerized controls to auto lifts for the first time. Inbay technology and its "I" series lifts, which became available in January 2001, use microchip technology to control the operations of the lifts as well as provide the ground operator with vital information. The new technology adds the potential benefits of increased productivity, safety and employee recruitment and retention.

Grote Industries, located in Madison since 1960, marked its 100th anniversary Saturday, July 21st with an open house for employees, retirees and their families. Festivities included plant tours, a cookout, carnival rides and games for the children. According to Company representatives, approximately 3,000 people attended the celebration.

Founded in 1901 by William D. Grote, Grote Industries remains a family-owned manufacturer and marketer of vehicle safety system products including lamps, mirrors, wiring systems, turn signal switches and reflective accessories. Headquartered in Madison, Grote has facilities in California, Mexico and Canada and employs approximately 1,100 people worldwide.

Madison Tool, Inc., Receives Quality Certifications
July 2001

James, Gary and Terry Sparks, owners of Madison Tool, Inc., announced today that their Company has received QS-9000 and ISO-9002 Certifications. The Company spent 16 months standardizing and documenting operating procedures and compiling a QS manual in order to satisfy QS/ISO requirements. Terry Sparks, President, noted "these certifications open new doors for our Company. With QS-9000 Certification, we can now supply directly to the Big Three Automakers".

Founded in 1975 by James and his two sons, Madison Tool has evolved from a tool and die business into a corporation composed of three focused enterprise units – tool and die and special machines, screw machine products and machining based contract manufacturing. Madison Tool can be contacted at 812.273.2250.

Spring Hills Golf Course Opening Soon
July 2001

Melvin and Linda Adams of Hanover are developing the Spring Hill Golf Course on their farm just south of town. The 6,100-yard, par 70 course was designed by Ron Kern, a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Ron notes that although the course is not particularly long, there are several challenging holes including #4, a 230-yard par 3. With 27 tee stations, players of all skill levels will enjoy this beautiful, tree-lined golf course. Pro-shop, snack bar and conference room facilities are available. You can reach the Spring Hills Golf Course at 866-5153 or 866-2834.

Armor Metal Group Receives Growth Award
June 2001

Armor Metal Group received the Growth Award by the Association of Corporate Growth at the second annual Deal Maker Awards ceremony. The Growth Award recognizes the area’s corporate and individual "Deal Makers" who have been successful in efforts to complete acquisition, joint venture, financing and strategic alliance transactions.

IKE Invests $150 Million in Pollution Control Equipment
June 2001

About 400 workers are expected to spend the next 2 years constructing additional environmental control systems at the Indiana-Kentucky Electric Corp.’s Clifty Creek plant in Madison. The workers will be in addition to the 358 persons permanently employed at the plant, which has been in operation since 1955. The estimated $150 million project, which is to be completed and in operation by May 2003, will reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by more than 80 percent at the plant.

Tower Manufacturing Now Locally Owned
May 5, 2001

Local resident and President of Tower Manufacturing, Bob Cooke, and his wife, Barbara, have purchased the Company from the Robertson family of Ohio. The Robertson family had owned the Company for 97 years. Tower makes tacks, nails and braided wire for hanging picture frames.

Lonnie Crutcher, Safety Director for U.S. Filter, receives his certificate of completion from Ivy Tech Chancellor, Jim Helms. Lonnie was one of ten U.S. Filter employees that participated in the six week long Management Training Seminar. Lonnie praised Dr. Barnes and Ivy Tech for their efforts.