INDIANAPOLIS—Cook Medical Group will invest $7 million to build a 40,000-square-foot assembly plant here, creating 100 jobs.

The project is being developed in a public-private partnership with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, The Indianapolis Foundation, and the United Northeast Community Development Corp.

Employees will assemble a variety of FDA-approved medical devices, such as drainage catheters and needles, for Cook Medical, but they will be employees of Goodwill Commercial Services.

“It is a win for everyone involved, including the community itself. We hope that this model can serve as an example and inspire other businesses and organizations to join us,” says Pete Yonkman, president of Cook Group and Cook Medical. “There’s a lack of hope that’s born from generational poverty from decades of manufacturing jobs leaving our communities and from lack of access to real opportunity that will lead to a better life.”

The organizations say the Goodwill Commercial Services building will be owned by a newly formed 501(c)2 entity.

The coalition says the high-skill manufacturing training will provide employees opportunities for long-term employment and career progression.

“We’ve been a supplier of Cook for a few years now. But more importantly, Cook has come to understand the driving force behind Goodwill, our mission, our vision and values,” says Kent Kramer, president and chief executive officer of Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. “Goodwill’s experience in manufacturing, coupled with our approach to employee development and support, is a large reason why Pete (Yonkman) and Cook felt that Goodwill would be a great partner in this endeavor.”

In addition to the jobs, the facility will offer support services. Employees will have access to mental and physical health support, soft skills training and an opportunity to advance their education.