Engines Inc. gets funding for road

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 30, 2006

SOUTH POINT — Engines Inc., a business expanding its operations at The Point industrial park, has received more state funding for infrastructure improvements at the site.

Sens. Tom Niehaus and John Carey announced Tuesday that the state has released $50,000 in roadwork development funds to the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, which oversees operations at The Point.

Engines Inc. plans to construct a new building adjacent to its current location. The state funding announced Tuesday will help with the costs of constructing a 500-foot section of road providing access to to the company’s building. It will represent more than half of the project’s expected cost.

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LEDC will fund the remainder of the roadwork and then turn ownership of the road over to the Village of South Point.

Engines Inc. manufactures customized machinery, specifically for the steel industry, as well as manufacturing rail cars and their components.

As a result of the project and other assistance provided by the state and local entities, the company plans to stay in Ohio and create 50 new jobs. It is currently headquartered in West Virginia and has locations there, as well.

“I am pleased to see the cooperation between the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation and the state to ensure this company stays in Ohio and continues to thrive and create jobs,” Niehaus said.

South Point Mayor Bill Gaskin said the new road is just part of the infrastructure improvements being made at The Point. Although the work may not directly affect the village, it will bring much-needed jobs to the area, he said.

LEDC is giving the company four acres of land for the construction of the new building and the Ohio Department of Development is assisting by providing the company with a $25,000 Ohio Investment in Training Program grant. The company will also receive assistance from

the county government.

“To keep Ohio’s economy moving forward, we must make strategic investments in infrastructure and workforce training that will keep businesses in the state,” said Carey. “The release of these funds demonstrates the commitment Ohio’s leaders have to promoting economic growth and bringing new jobs to the state.”