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Redevelopment commission approves $50,000 training reimbursement for Lear plant hires
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Summary
The Whitley County Redevelopment Commission approved a $50,000 training reimbursement agreement with Lear to support hiring for GM seat production at the Columbia City plant; HR manager Chad Heiber described ramp-up and training needs for the new model.
The Whitley County Redevelopment Commission approved a $50,000 training reimbursement agreement with Lear to support workforce growth and training tied to General Motors’ new truck model.
Commissioner Dale introduced the item and brought Chad Heiber, Lear’s HR manager, to describe operations at the Columbia City plant. Heiber said the plant is in pre-production and “we are, at a critical point for our plan” as it prepares for full production after the holiday shutdown. Heiber said the facility is balancing current seat sets with changes for the new model and that “there’s a need for training” as processes and trim details evolve.
Dale told commissioners Lear has been in the county ‘‘for quite some time’’ and called it one of the county’s largest employers. Commissioners asked about the scope of training; Heiber said the work is largely task-specific to new processes and trim packages. Commissioners also noted local hiring: Dale said about “over a 150” county residents work at Lear.
Teresa Basinger moved to approve the training agreement, and the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Chair closed the discussion by thanking company representatives; Dale offered to coordinate a plant tour for commissioners.
The approval directs county staff to finalize the training-reimbursement paperwork and obtain any required signatures before disbursing funds. No additional conditions were recorded at the meeting.
