Twenty-eight businesses expanded or relocated in Allen County last year, the highest number since 2013.

Employers created 1,838 jobs, the highest since 2005, and new annual payroll reached $81 million, the biggest on record since 2012 when statistics were initially tracked.

Greater Fort Wayne Inc. released those figures Wednesday, calling it a banner year. GFW, a chamber alliance that also focuses on development issues, said it assisted companies that invested $242 million in Allen County.

“This organization is about results. We're here to grow jobs, grow wages and grow the economy. When Allen County is successful, that means GFW Inc. is successful,” Eric Doden, GFW's chief executive, said in a news release. “The results are clear: 2017 was our best year ever. Economic conditions can ebb and flow, but these are the results we expect as we strive to build a nationally recognized economy.”

Company expansions and relocations last year included the following investment and job creation announcements:

• Fort Wayne Metals: $51.1 million and 337 jobs

• Android Industries: $14.7 million and 313 jobs

• Multimatic: $39.1 million and 180 jobs

• Buchanan Hauling: $3.2 million and 180 jobs

• Faurecia: $18.5 million and 144 jobs

GFW's economic development staff visited 530 businesses in Allen County and 252 businesses outside the county, part of efforts to build relationships and assist employers with growth and job retention, the news release said.

Staff members met with business leaders in many cities, including Chicago, Nashville, New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Durham, North Carolina.

The organization also said it was instrumental in promoting projects including multimillion-dollar riverfront development, sidewalk and alley repairs, and redevelopment of the old General Electric campus.

lisagreen@jg.net