SOUTH POINT - The rain may have hit Tuesday afternoon, but it was all clear for a picnic in The Point industrial park.

The Lawrence Economic Development Corporation and Engines, Inc. of Ohio hosted a picnic and open house to show members of the Chamber of Commerce the progress on Engines Inc., which is planning to start production soon.

"We're proceeding at a rapid pace," Engines, Inc. President Carl Grover said. "We are as anxious to get started as everyone here."

Engines, Inc. manufactures rail car parts for railroads. The company ships all across North America. The business currently has been in business in West Virginia for 25 years and expanded to the 504-acre industrial park earlier this year.

Currently, the company has 200 employees and are intending to expand. Twenty-two employees work at The Point location and, Grover said, they are planning to bring 50 to 75 jobs, as the company expands to another building being refurbished on the site.

"Watch us grow," Grover said as he addressed those at the event.

After lunch, visitors were given a tour of the facility, including the opportunity to watch a video about the business.

Gailene Smith of the Pyro-Chem Corporation said she enjoyed the tour and found it really informative.

Smith said that she believes Engines, Inc. will benefit other businesses in the area and was excited by the fact they are already expanding.

"I thought it was really informative," she said. "I think they'll be an asset to the community."

Rita Caskey, also of Pyro-Chem, agreed. Caskey said she thought it looked like it was going to be a nice place.

Grover said the company plans to have an open house soon so

the community can come to the facility.

LEDC Director Dr. Bill Dingus briefly addressed the crowd and thanked those who had built at The Point.

"We have been truly blessed," Dingus said.