Secretary Goodrich Traveled to Japan for Investments

The commerce leader met with Japanese executives to expand international business ties within Indiana.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Manufacturing

Isometric editorial illustration of a shipping container on a crane arm, symbolizing international trade and industrial investment. — Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich traveled to Japan to secure new foreign investment and support the state's manufacturing pipeline. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich traveled to Japan during the week of October 13, 2026, to foster stronger business relationships. The trip aims to secure additional investment and job opportunities for the state of Indiana.

Why it matters

Japan remains the state's largest source of foreign investment, and state officials are working to maintain this economic pipeline. Strengthening these international partnerships is intended to bolster Indiana's manufacturing sector and regional employment.

Japanese companies operate 290 facilities in Indiana, supporting approximately 62,000 jobs across 60 counties. This presence accounts for over 27% of all international businesses operating within the state.

The players

Chuck Goodrich

He serves as the Secretary of Commerce for the state of Indiana.

Toyota Material Handling North America

This company is currently constructing a $100 million manufacturing facility in Columbus.

Nippon Steel

This corporation is overseeing a $3.1 billion investment to modernize the U.S. Steel Gary Works.

Sustainea

This firm plans to launch its first U.S. operation in Indiana with a $400 million investment.

The details

Secretary Goodrich scheduled meetings in Tokyo and Nagoya to engage with key industry executives. These discussions occur as several major projects are underway, including a $3.1 billion modernization of the U.S. Steel Gary Works plant and a new $100 million Toyota factory in Columbus.

Since 2005, Japanese companies have invested over $10 billion in Indiana.
The Midwest-U.S. Japan Association held its 56th annual meeting in Indianapolis in September 2026.
Secretary Chuck Goodrich traveled to Japan the week of October 13, 2026.

Market Landscape

This international outreach follows the framework set by the 56th annual joint meeting of the Midwest-U.S. Japan Association. The state aims to capitalize on existing industrial clusters to maintain its competitive advantage against other regions vying for Japanese capital.

These investment efforts directly impact the local labor market by supporting nearly 62,000 existing jobs. Residents in communities like Columbus, Princeton, and Gary may see future employment growth as these multi-million dollar projects come online.

The takeaway

Maintaining strong foreign investment channels is a primary driver for Indiana's long-term manufacturing growth. Readers should monitor major local facility expansions, as these projects typically signal stable, long-term employment opportunities for the region.