Loogootee is facing a significant economic blow as KCARC, one of its largest manufacturing operations, announced the closure of its Bowling Manufacturing facility next week. The decision comes as a result of a substantial reduction in demand, leading to a decreased need for manufacturing staff. KCARC officials stated that they will be ceasing operations at Bowling Manufacturing in Loogootee after May 10. All of the employees affected by this change have been provided notice and will receive support during this transition, whether they seek other employment opportunities at KCARC or outside of the organization. Local officials expressed disappointment at the news, highlighting the impact on the community. The decision to close the Loogootee facility was driven by economic factors. The Loogootee facility, which employed 20 people, was no longer seen as feasible compared to the larger operation in Vincennes. To further aid in this transition, the Martin County Alliance is partnering with Workforce Development to host a job fair at the Bowling Manufacturing building on May 29 from 2–5 p.m. The closure will leave a significant portion of the 128,000-square-foot building vacant. However, local leaders remain optimistic about the future use of the space, considering options such as incubators or co-working spaces. Additionally, a crane contractor, SSI, is currently using 60,000 square feet of the building for warehousing, and there is interest from other potential tenants in the area.
