FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that Delaware County has been awarded a $455,000 Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to assist in funding an expansion for American Showa, Inc. The project represents a $16 million investment and is expected to create 48 jobs.

“I’m confident that this funding will have a positive economic impact on Delaware County,” said Lt. Governor Johnson, who also serves as state development director. “Ohio means business and is committed to supporting the economic development efforts of our communities. By encouraging capital investments such as this, we are helping our communities to compete for new investments and attract and retain good-paying jobs for Ohioans.”

American Showa, located in Sunbury, is the leading manufacturer of shock absorbers and power steering unit components for the automotive industry. The company plans to purchase machinery and equipment and construct a 45,000 square-foot addition to its current facility where it plans to manufacture its products for the two-wheel motorcycle industry. The County will use the CDBG funds to help improve access to the site by installing 4,400 linear feet of street improvements.

The CDBG Economic Development Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development and 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.