Hoosiers anticipate Carbon Motors factory

More than two years after a key city employer closed, Connersville, Ind. is still on the ropes.

Unemployment is at 13.8 percent. Retirees are worried about losing their health insurance and pension cuts. Jobless benefits are running out.

“I know our people are hurting,” Mayor Leonard Urban said. “I get very discouraged sometimes.”

But this eastern Indiana factory town says better days are coming, driven by the eagerly awaited arrival of Carbon Motors.

The company is awaiting approval of a $310 million federal loan so it can begin production of an energy-efficient police car. Work – and hiring – is expected to begin in 2012.

The company expects to create 1,550 jobs.

Carbon spokesman Stacy Dean Stephens cautioned the jobs might not be a good fit for everyone.

“If you are one of those looking for an eight-to-five job, there’s probably no need to apply,” Stephens said. “We’re looking for people with the same drive and passion we have, people who see how important this vehicle is to law enforcement and the globe.”

The jobs can’t come soon enough for Connersville.

The closing of Visteon’s automotive components plant followed other factory shutdowns. Many residents are in dire need, city leaders say.

The Community Sharing Foundation’s food pantry sees 60 to 100 people a week, said Betty Barbee, foundation secretary.

“We’ve been seeing more customers ever since Visteon closed,” Barbee said.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration says the number of food stamp recipients in Fayette County rose to 2,128 households with 5,143 people in December 2009. That was 600 more households and 1,430 more people than in December 2007.

Urban said he hopes more jobs are in the works. The city is talking with some companies who want to locate in Connersville when Carbon Motors gets started, Urban said.

Despite the community’s angst, he said there are signs of hope.

“These are trying times, but at the same time, our stores are busy on Fridays. Our gym is full for basketball games,” Urban said. “I am amazed at the resilience and tenacity of our people.”