AUGLAIZE COUNTY TO RECEIVE $235,000 GRANT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXPANSION PROJECT AT WELDTEC LIMITED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that Auglaize County will receive a $235,000 grant to assist WeldTec, Limited with an economic development expansion project. The $605,000 project is expected to create 13 jobs.

“The State’s assistance will have a positive, economic impact on Auglaize County,” said Johnson, who also serves as State Development Director. “The Department of Development is committed to providing assistance to help attract and retain jobs in communities throughout Ohio.”

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.

WeldTec is a machine shop that specializes in metal racking. In order to meet increased demand for its product, the company will purchase a 27,000 square-foot facility on Celina Road in St. Marys and relocate and expand its operations.

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. Job created through the program must benefit primarily low- and moderate-income Ohioans.