May 23, 2006 -- International Truck and Engine Corp. is planning a $83-million improvement project at its Indianapolis Casting Corp. subsidiary, in Indianapolis. International is the operating unit of Navistar International

Indianapolis Casting produces cast-metal components (blocks and heads) for engines produced by International, Ford, and other vehicle manufacturers. The engine plant produces the "Power Stroke" diesel engine used by Ford in its F-series super-duty pickup trucks.

Details of the project have not been released. In general terms, it's been reported that the new equipment International is installing is part of a plan to produce engines capable of burning low-sulfur diesel fuel, which is required by EPA standards that take effect in 2007.

"In order to manufacture emissions-compliant engines, we needed to make an investment in our facilities," said International’s Gary Mitchell, v.p. - Manufacturing and Strategic Initiatives for the Engine Group.

The improvement project is being aided by a property tax abatement granted by the local Metropolitan Development Commission.