The expansion is expected to generate $800,000 in private investment."This is one of the first projects to benefit from a new law that helps the state create high-paying jobs in rural communities," says Gov. Jennifer Granholm. "EAB's decision to stay and grow in Michigan is a testament to the fact our state can compete and win in the global marketplace."

The governor recently signed a law designed to attract and retain high-paying jobs in rural areas. The law allows the Michigan Economic Growth Authority to grant SBT credits to companies willing to expand or locate in counties with a population of less than 75,000. Among the main requirements is that the company create up to 25 jobs within the first five years of the project. "This new law will allow EAB Fabrication to develop a higher skilled labor force in the community," says EAB president Ed Bowerman.

The Village of Quincy is expected to support the expansion with a property tax abatement worth an estimated $100,900 over 12 years. In addition, the village will sell five acres of land within a local industrial park at a reduced rate and extend water, sewer and electrical utilities to the site. The value to the company of the land sale and utility extension is an estimated $40,000.