CITY OF WAUSEON TO RECEIVE $500,000 GRANT TO ASSIST LEAR CORPORATION AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC. WITH EXPANSION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson announced today that the City of Wauseon, in Fulton County, will receive a $500,000 grant to provide infrastructure improvements to assist Lear Corporation Automotive Systems, Inc. with a planned expansion project. The $12 million project is expected to create 184 jobs.

“This grant will have a positive, economic impact on the City of Wauseon,” said Johnson. “The Department of Development is committed to providing assistance to help attract and retain jobs in communities throughout the state.”

The grant will be awarded through the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Development Program, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Development.

Lear Corporation manufactures automotive interior trim products and door panels by using an injection plastic molding process. The CDBG funds will be used to extend 4,400 linear feet of 138KV power transmission line and for the construction of an electric substation to enable the company to expand its current facility by 65,000 square feet.

The CDBG Economic Development Program provides funding for economic development projects that create and/or retain permanent, private-sector job opportunities. The grants enable local governments to provide public improvements directly related to business development and financial assistance to private entities for economic development projects. Jobs created through the program must benefit primarily low- and moderate-income Ohioans.