Dana Corp. in Syracuse was a topic of discussion when Kosciusko Development Inc. met in the Chamber of Commerce meeting room Wednesday.

Dana employed 650 people at the Syracuse Spicer Axle Division plant and laid off 290 in December. The plant has been put up for sale. Officials of the company are citing economic reasons for the layoffs and pending sale, hoping to find a buyer who will maintain the employees and non-core businesses and sell the products back to Dana.

The sale of the Dana facility is part of the Toledo, Ohio - based corporation's restructuring plans to consolidate or close 30 plants. Syracuse was one of only two plants designated to be sold in the Traction Technologies Group, previously known as the Axle Division.

Board member Don Strouse, of Colbin Tool in Syracuse, said he hoped KDI was being aggressive in keeping the company here.

KDI President Joy McCarthy-Sessing said she has contacted Dana officials at the corporate level and their minds were made up.

Newly elected chairman Brian Redshaw, also the Syracuse town manager, said it was difficult to get concrete answers from anyone at the plant, except that people are being laid off and the non-core products are for sale.

Bob Sanders, the new vice chairman, said KDI needed to make sure the right company bought the plant to keep it as an ongoing business. "We can't take the risk for Syracuse," he said.

"It is a test of this organization to decide what to do about companies moving out," Strouse said. "We should stop by and tell them we're here to help. If you don't do something you won't accomplish anything."

The board elected Brian Redshaw chairman; Bob Sanders, vice chairman; and re-elected Brad Bishop secretary and Jim Tinkey treasurer.

Randy Vutech's year as chairman was marked with the presentation of a plaque.

Economic development director Jean Gosney said since the last meeting in November she has responded to 17 requests for information about available sites.

Gosney answered inquires about the Phillips building, the Jomac building, the Sun Metal building, The former TTP building, the Winona Powder building and the Aero RV building. There are 17 buildings and sites being marketed by KDI. Information about them is available on the award-winning Web site, www.kdi-in.com

The board also:

• Welcomed Roger Monahan, Farmers State Bank president, to the board.

• Authorized Dana Krull as auditor of the group as long as his audit meets state requirements.

• Heard the treasurer's report from Jim Tinkey. The county will provide $35,000 to KDI as long as the members match that amount in fund-raising. They are $135 short of that goal.

• Heard two Purdue University technology directors will be available Feb. 15 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. in the Chamber of Commerce meeting room at 313 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw. Participants will learn about free and low-cost technical assistance available through the university.

Reservations are due by Feb. 13 for the free meeting.

• Heard the South Bend Business Development Center will host a small business workshop April 30 at 1 p.m. in meeting rooms at the Warsaw Community Public Library.

• Heard Warsaw will host the summer meeting of the Indiana Economic Development Association. [[In-content Ad]]