Redevelopment commissioners back plan to consider Lear training grant; ask company to present in person

The Whitley County Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday discussed a request from automotive supplier Lear for county help covering workforce training costs as the company expands.

Commissioners were told Lear employs more than 500 people, is preparing to invest roughly $5 million in capital upgrades and expects between 50 and 100 net new hires. The company asked the commission to consider a training subsidy of about $500 per new hire — a rough maximum request that would amount to about $50,000 if applied to 100 hires. Commissioners did not vote; instead they directed staff to work with Lear and bring company representatives to the next meeting so members could ask detailed questions and consider a formal motion.

One commissioner said the commission would prefer to see how many of Lear’s employees live in Whitley County before finalizing a funding decision and suggested any TIF‑funded support be tied to measurable local benefit. Commissioners emphasized their historical preference to invest in workforce training that benefits local residents rather than provide blanket tax abatements.

Next steps: staff will coordinate a presentation by Lear at a future meeting and prepare a draft training‑grant agreement for commissioners to review; no formal commitment of funds was made at Tuesday’s meeting.