May 2026
Lilly Spending $1.8M to Update Indianapolis Manufacturing Operations
What This Means For You: Eli Lilly is investing up to $1.8 billion to upgrade and expand its near-downtown research and manufacturing campus in Indianapolis. The multi-year capital project, which focuses on the historic Lilly Technology Center, aims to scale up the company’s production of life-saving therapeutics. This initiative builds on a prior $1.2 billion investment announced for other areas of Lilly’s Indianapolis footprint and complements broader, multi-billion-dollar expansions across central Indiana.
Indiana Aims For 100,000 New Jobs With $1B Life Sciences Boost
What This Means For You: Gov. Mike Braun announced a plan to create 100,000 high-paying jobs over the next 10 years by investing in agricultural and life sciences across Indiana. The state is putting $1 billion toward growing the life sciences sector, aiming to make Indiana a top spot for human therapeutics, animal health, agritech, biotechnology, and environmental innovation. The money will focus on increasing jobs and wages, with funds tied to measurable outcomes.
NCAA Estimates $400 Million Indy Economic Impact From Final Four
What This Means For You: The NCAA and Indiana Sports Corporation estimate that the 2026 Final Four Men’s Basketball Championship, and the crowning of the Division II, Division III and NIT winners, will result in one of the top three Big Dance finale economic impacts of all time. At $400 million this year, the Final Four weekend impact will dwarf the combined $304.5 million that the six biggest conventions and events had in Indianapolis in 2025. The last time Indianapolis hosted a full-on Final Four was 2015, and the economic payoff was estimated at $71 million.
Indianapolis Named No. 3 Sports Event and Business City in America for 2026
What This Means For You: Sports Business Journal (SBJ) has named Indianapolis as the No. 3 Best Sports Business City in the United States, trailing only Atlanta and New York, and jumping eight spots from the inaugural rankings released in 2023 that placed the city at No. 11. The Best Sports Business Cities list highlights the top 50 cities for businesses operating in and around sports and influences strategic direction for sports business professionals across the United States.
Sheetz Plans 100 Indiana Stores, Bringing $1B Investment, 3,000 Jobs
What This Means For You: Sheetz plans to build 100 locations across the state over the next decade, a move the company says represents a $1 billion investment and could bring about 3,000 full-time jobs. Company leaders say the move into Indiana comes after growing interest from residents and continued expansion across the Midwest. The expansion also sets the stage for increased competition with Wawa, which has already begun opening locations in Indiana.
Toyota Invests $200M In Indiana Facility; Part of $2B Investment Across Kentucky and Indiana Operations
In Indiana, Toyota is investing $200 million to increase capacity for the Grand Highlander, one of the company’s most popular SUVs, at its Princeton, IN plant. With this investment, Grand Highlander joins the assembly of the Sienna minivan in the facility’s East Plant while continuing assembly alongside the Lexus TX in the West Plant.
Splenda Manufacturer Eyes $91M In Upgrades To Indianapolis Operations
What This Means For You: Carmel-based Heartland Food Products Group has announced plans to construct a new, 131,500-square-foot building adjacent to its existing operations to integrate the production of SlimFast into its manufacturing operation, a move that will create full-time 30 jobs.
Coca-Cola Consolidated To Invest $35 Million in Indianapolis Manufacturing Facility
What This Means For You: Coca-Cola Consolidated is deepening its long-term commitment to Indianapolis with a $35 million investment that will expand local manufacturing capabilities. The company plans to add a new bottle production line to its Indianapolis facility, specifically for bottling beverages in glass bottles. Construction of the new line is anticipated to begin in late 2026. This expansion is expected to create 15 to 20 new full‑time jobs and initiate additional economic activity through construction, suppliers, and local services.
