Marion, Indiana: A Renaissance Rooted in Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Community

Marion, Indiana, is experiencing a balanced renaissance—fueling economic development while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Once known chiefly for its manufacturing heritage, this Grant County city now spotlights new investments, workforce initiatives, and community projects that appeal to site selectors, entrepreneurs, and families alike. From industrial expansions and downtown redevelopment to educational partnerships and cultural vibrancy, Marion's recent progress reflects a community-driven commitment to prosperity and livability.

Manufacturing Legacy Meets Modern Investment

Marion's industrial strength is anchored by century-old firms like Atlas Foundry Company (founded 1893) and Bahr Brothers Manufacturing (founded 1909), whose innovation and longevity continue to define the city's manufacturing identity. Atlas Foundry remains a family-run business now led by the fourth and fifth generations. The company specializes in gray iron castings—from half-pound to 50-pound parts—serving agriculture, construction, transportation, and general manufacturing. Atlas offers complete services, including design engineering, tooling, machining, and finishing, producing everything from hydraulic housings and equipment bases to decorative stadium seat standards installed in venues like Wrigley Field and Heinz Field.

Manufacturing remains the backbone of Marion's economy, anchored by longstanding employers like General Motors. GM's Marion Metal Center—a stamping plant operating since 1956—was inducted into the Indiana Manufacturers Hall of Fame in 2024, recognizing the company's 80-plus years in Indiana and its deep local impact. GM has invested over $2.8 billion in its Indiana operations in the past decade and employs nearly 6,000 Hoosiers across seven facilities. "Today's recognition is for the thousands of team members who have walked through Marion Metal Center since we opened in 1956," said Plant Director Charles Geller, praising the plant's contributions to the company, community, and state. Industry leaders note that GM's innovative spirit and drive for global competitiveness have made it one of Indiana's top employers, with a ripple effect that has created thousands of supplier jobs statewide. GM's plans with Samsung SDI to build a new EV battery plant in Indiana by 2027 signal continued growth in advanced manufacturing and technology in the region.

Local manufacturing continues to expand. In 2024, Marion saw major investments by key employers. Café Valley, a Phoenix-based bakery that opened a facility on Marion's south side in 2014, announced a $20.3 million investment to add high-speed production lines for a new mini-cupcake product line. This expansion is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs, reflecting Café Valley's confidence in Marion's workforce and strategic location. Similarly, Hartson-Kennedy, a manufacturer of cabinet countertops, is undertaking a $2.1 million upgrade to its Marion plant, adding about 50 jobs to the community. State officials lauded these moves, noting that "Indiana continues to lead the nation in manufacturing" and highlighting Marion's role in that success.

The city's 2024 Economic Development Report Card showcases these investments as evidence of robust industrial growth, alongside new programs like a revolving loan fund for small manufacturers offering up to $50,000 per business. For site selectors, Marion offers an experienced labor pool steeped in advanced manufacturing—from automotive metal stamping to food processing—with training pipelines in place to sustain this workforce.

Healthcare and Education Hub

Beyond factories, Marion serves as a regional hub for healthcare and education, two sectors critical to both the economy and quality of life. Marion Health (formerly Marion General Hospital) is one of the city's largest employers and has been expanding its footprint and services. In late 2021, Marion Health unveiled plans for a new 100,000-square-foot medical campus near the I-69 corridor—a sweeping $80 million development including an ER, surgical suites, orthopedic care, and other specialty clinics. This innovation campus, now operational, created roughly 100 new healthcare jobs and extends high-quality medical services to southeastern Grant County and travelers along a 93-mile stretch of interstate that previously lacked emergency care. Marion Health's growth is matched by excellence: it was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 2024 Best Hospitals, reflecting top-tier outcomes in areas like cardiovascular care. In short, Marion residents benefit from a healthcare infrastructure that is both expanding and award-winning, including not only Marion Health but also the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System's Marion campus, which serves area veterans.

Marion's healthcare landscape is receiving a major boost from Parkview Health and Indiana Health Center, complementing Marion Health's established presence. Parkview Health recently announced two new facilities in Marion: a multi-specialty clinic that opened in summer 2025 at a renovated former Walgreens at 2620 S. Western Avenue, and a freestanding emergency department and urgent care near I-69 Exit 264, slated to open in 2027. Meanwhile, the Indiana Health Center, located at 925 S. Nebraska Street, serves as a cornerstone of accessible community healthcare. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, it offers comprehensive primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental, and women's health services, regardless of insurance status or income. Together, Parkview Health's expansion and the Indiana Health Center's commitment demonstrate Marion's growing regional importance as a healthcare hub—improving access, affordability, and innovation for families and employers across Grant County.

Education is another pillar of Marion's vitality. The city is home to Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), a Christian liberal arts university with a picturesque campus that draws thousands of students from around the country. IWU actively partners in community development. In 2024, IWU and the City of Marion jointly secured a $24.3 million Lilly Endowment grant under the "College and Community Collaboration" initiative to enhance local quality of place. This transformative grant will help construct a new YMCA facility near campus, expand early childhood education and daycare services, and develop a multi-modal trail through downtown Marion connecting to the Cardinal Greenway trail system. Such projects address critical needs—wellness, childcare, recreation—while strengthening the town-gown relationship.

Marion's public schools and Ivy Tech Community College campus are also key players in workforce development. Mayor Ron Morrell Jr. launched a Mayor's Scholarship program linking Marion High School graduates to Ivy Tech tuition support, aiming to keep local talent home by pipelining students into technical and vocational careers. With Ivy Tech's affordable training programs and IWU's broad academic offerings (not to mention nearby Taylor University in Grant County), the Marion area produces an educated workforce and offers lifelong learning opportunities. This education ecosystem not only supplies skilled employees to local businesses but also demonstrates Marion's commitment to investing in its next generation.

Downtown Revitalization and Infrastructure Readiness

Marion's leaders understand that economic development isn't just about attracting industry—it's also about creating an appealing, vibrant city that can retain talent and invite investment. A centerpiece of Marion's strategy is the revitalization of its historic downtown and riverfront district, powered by state and regional funding. In late 2024, East Central Indiana planners awarded Marion an $850,000 READI 2.0 grant to jumpstart the River Rock Lofts, a mixed-use redevelopment project on the Mississinewa River downtown. River Rock Lofts is a planned $10.8 million development transforming a former riverfront brownfield into 44 one- and two-bedroom apartments, 3,300 square feet of commercial space, and a public plaza for community gatherings. Designed to foster a walkable urban neighborhood, the project includes modern amenities like an indoor/outdoor courtyard, work-from-home lounge, bike storage, and pet-friendly features. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025 with completion by spring 2026. Mayor Morrell celebrated the READI grant as a catalyst to "build a vibrant future in our downtown," calling the state's partnership "truly inspiring" and evidence that Marion is "poised for growth."

The River Rock project is part of a larger push to make downtown Marion more attractive and investment-ready. City officials established a new Riverfront District and Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in 2024 to encourage restaurants, entertainment venues, and events in the core city. This allows for flexible open container rules during festivals and signals that Marion is open for nightlife and cultural activity downtown. Looking ahead, future plans include creating a new riverfront public park, upgrading Ballard Field (a downtown green space often used for sports and events), and advancing additional development in the central business district. All of these efforts align with Marion's long-term vision of a dense and walkable downtown that can attract talent and young professionals.

City and county governments have also been busy with foundational infrastructure and site readiness. In 2024, Marion invested nearly $3.8 million in its "Clean City 2.0" initiative, resurfacing 17 miles of streets and reconstructing 10 blocks of sidewalks to improve transportation networks. Over $85 million in road construction and paving work was recorded across the area, significantly enhancing logistics for both commuters and freight. The city targeted blight elimination as well, spending $1 million to demolish 45 dilapidated structures—clearing the way for future development and safer neighborhoods. Another $500,000 went into alleyway restoration, and expanded citywide clean-up events collected 2,400 cubic yards of debris in one year. These improvements signal to investors that Marion is proactive about maintaining a clean, efficient city.

From an industrial site-selection perspective, Marion and Grant County offer shovel-ready sites and excellent connectivity. The city sits along the I-69 corridor midway between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, with convenient highway access. Marion's new hospital campus at I-69/SR-22 is one example of land development success on the interstate, and additional acreage is available in that vicinity for commercial or logistics projects. Rail service is also present in the area, and utility infrastructure upgrades have been made to accommodate growth. The Grant County Economic Growth Council actively works with prospective companies, boasting a track record of working at the "speed of business" to meet project needs. The Growth Council maintains a portfolio of available industrial sites and buildings and offers incentives like revolving loan funds for small businesses and a CHARM Grant program that gives matching funds to local businesses for façade improvements, murals, and landscaping. These initiatives enhance the visual appeal of commercial areas and ensure that incoming investors find a business-friendly environment. In 2025, the Growth Council earned a grant from Duke Energy's Partnership Program to help market Grant County's assets to site selectors, underscoring the collaborative approach to economic development marketing. Whether it's a large manufacturer needing an expansive greenfield or a tech startup seeking a downtown office, Marion is positioning itself with ready sites, improved infrastructure, and a supportive network of local officials eager to help new ventures prosper.

Quality of Life and Community Initiatives

Marion's economic ambitions are matched by a strong focus on quality of life improvements—because attracting jobs and investment goes hand-in-hand with creating a place where people want to live. In the past year, Marion has seen record investment in parks, trails, arts, and community programs. Charles Mill Park, a once-underutilized riverfront park, now features a new walking path along the Mississinewa River, a "Little Free Library" for sharing books, a refurbished basketball court, and an outdoor Fitness Court® gym installed in partnership with the National Fitness Campaign and local sponsors. At the city's crown jewel, Matter Park, the parks department added a brand-new $136,000 playground designed for toddlers and preschoolers, giving young families a safe place to play. Matter Park's Garden House venue also received a new roof for its performance stage, and a StoryWalk literacy trail was created in collaboration with the Marion Public Library—blending outdoor recreation with reading for children and parents alike. These upgrades make Marion's parks more attractive and family-friendly, bolstering the city's appeal to prospective residents.

Trail connectivity and outdoor recreation are expanding as well. Design work is underway on a 0.6-mile trail link from downtown Marion to the Cardinal Greenway, a 62-mile regional rail-trail that passes through Grant County. Once built, this connector will let residents and IWU students bike or walk directly from the heart of the city onto one of Indiana's premier recreational trails. Additionally, more than two miles of the existing Mississinewa Riverwalk have been repaved thanks to a partnership with the Lilly Endowment, improving accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists along the scenic river corridor. Looking ahead, Marion plans to construct a new riverfront park downtown to complement the River Rock Lofts development, giving the community another beautiful space by the water for concerts, farmers' markets, and relaxation. The city's establishment of the DORA district will enable residents and visitors to enjoy these public spaces with added flexibility for dining and events, a touch that signals Marion's intent to create a lively, enjoyable downtown atmosphere.

Arts and culture are also receiving a boost. In early 2025, the Marion City Council unanimously approved funding to hire the first Executive Director for the Marion Arts Commission (MAC)—a move aimed at energizing the local arts scene and downtown aesthetic. "It's a plus-plus for the City of Marion to have that option," Councilman Mike Cline said, emphasizing that the arts commission is a startup entity that intends to become self-sufficient and not rely on taxpayer money long-term. The MAC's dedicated volunteers have already been bringing vibrancy to downtown through murals, galleries, and events, and now, with a professional director, they can amplify those efforts. Councilman Jim Brunner noted that under Mayor Morrell's administration, supporting the arts is "a step to bring in more life to the downtown area." The unanimous vote reflected broad agreement that cultural development is key to Marion's future. Similarly, the city is moving forward on quality-of-life amenities like a revamped skatepark at Hogan Park—designs are being drawn up with input from nearly a hundred local skaters, in collaboration with a specialty firm (Hunger Skateparks) to ensure the new facility meets the community's needs. Even seemingly small initiatives, such as a matching grant program to help local businesses spruce up their facades or add public art (via the CHARM Grant), contribute to a more vibrant cityscape and sense of pride.

Marion also continues beloved traditions such as summertime free concerts at the Gardens of Matter Park, holiday parades, and the Quilters Hall of Fame celebration. Marion is home to the Quilters Hall of Fame Museum, a national destination for quilting enthusiasts. These civic and cultural efforts collectively enhance the quality of life in Marion, making the city more than just a place to work—it's a place to belong.

A Collaborative, Forward-Thinking Community

The story of Marion's recent progress is one of collaboration and forward thinking. City and county officials, educational institutions, major employers, and everyday citizens are working in concert to ensure that economic growth translates into community well-being. Entrepreneurs find support through initiatives like the Business Talk lecture series and free consulting hours with the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center—programs designed to foster homegrown startups and connect small business owners with mentors and resources. Meanwhile, large-scale developments such as the Ridley Tower, River Rock Lofts, and Jones Farm (the "Jones Heritage" project, which will convert a former middle school into 104 units of new housing) are addressing critical needs for modern housing and placemaking. In Marion today, prosperity is not just a buzzword—it's visible in freshly paved streets, cranes on the skyline, public art, and neighbors volunteering side by side to clean up their block.

Marion, Indiana, is making a compelling case to site selectors and entrepreneurs: it offers the hard business advantages—available sites, infrastructure, workforce training, and pro-growth governance—and the soft qualities that families and employees desire, from excellent healthcare and schools to parks, culture, and civic pride. As Mayor Morrell put it, "Marion is poised for growth," and through deliberate investment in both economy and community, the city is writing a new chapter as a vibrant Midwestern hub where people can prosper and grow together.

References

Atlas Foundry Company. (n.d.). Atlas Foundry Company Inc. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://atlasfdry.com

Bahr Brothers Manufacturing. (n.d.). Bahr Brothers Manufacturing. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.bahrbros.com

City of Marion. (n.d.). News & events. City of Marion, Indiana. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://cityofmarion.in.gov/news-events

Grant County Economic Growth Council. (2024). 2024 Economic development report. https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/marion-prod/downloads/attachments/2024-economic-development-report/Marion-Econ-Dev-2024.pdf

Indiana Health Centers. (n.d.). Indiana Health Center – Marion. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://indianahealthonline.org/locations/marion

Marion Health. (n.d.). Marion Health news. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.marionhealth.com/marion-health-news

ShowMe Grant County. (n.d.). Quilter’s Hall of Fame. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://showmegrantcounty.com/places/arts-culture-education/quilters-hall-of-fame

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Page, J. A. (2025, February 25). Marion’s untold story: A visit to the Weaver Settlement. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from Chronicle-Tribune.

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Weik, T. (2025, February 12). General Motors inducted into Indiana Manufacturers Hall of Fame. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from Chronicle-Tribune.

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Marion hosts annual Christmas parade along the Walkway of Lights. (2024, December 8). Retrieved October 14, 2025, from GrantConnected.net.

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