Indianapolis-based Duke Realty reports that leasing activity was at a five-year high in the first quarter.

The company, which reported first-quarter results in line with analyst expectations, said it leased 5.5 million square feet of space during the three-month period that ended March 31.

During the quarter, Duke sold properties worth $122.6 million, none of which are located in Indiana. And the company acquired 20 percent of two office buildings in South Florida for $8.7 million.

Overall portfolio occupancy edged up to 87.5 percent, from 87.2 percent on Dec. 31, 2009.

Sallie Mae facilities in Muncie and Fishers were not affected by the organization’s initial round of job cuts stemming from changes in the federal student loan program.

JD Norman Industries, an Illinois-based manufacturer, is in early negotiations with GM to by GM’s Indianapolis stamping plant, which is scheduled to close in the fall of next year.

The unemployment rate dropped significantly in the Louisville MSA, which includes Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana, in March.

The Newport Chemical Depot Reuse Authority is planning water and electrical upgrades to the 7,000-acre property, and is considering adding a rail line, in hopes of attracting companies and jobs to the Wabash Valley.

AM General has landed a contract to produce taxis for a Michigan company.