What does expansion plans by Niagara County-based manufacturers - Americarb, Precision Industrial and Allegheny Manufacturing mean for the region?
A lot.
The expansion plans could translate into a lemmings-like regional economic development movement where others, particularly in the manufacturing field, follow suit.
"People do take notice," said Kris Eldersward, Allegheny Manufacturing president.
Allegheny Manufacturing is moving from leased space in the City of Lockport to the former and vacant Niagara Fiberboard plant on Van Buren Street, also in Lockport. The $1.33 million project will see Allegheny had 10 workers in the coming months.
"More importantly, it is bringing back to life a vacant building," said Jason Krempa, Niagara County Industrial Development Agency first vice chairman. "We can build off of that."
All three manufacturers received tax breaks from the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency, which sparked more than $32 million private sector-backed investments while creating at least 55 new jobs.
"Manufacturing matters and we need to continue to nurture it," Krempa said.
Expansion by manufacturers have played a significant role in the region's economic landscape, especially in the past year where companies like Milk-Bone, Rosina Foods and, now, Americarb or Precision Industrials - who is moving from Rochester to the North Tonawanda - have either expanded, or announced plans to expand.
"There is definitely a spin off," Krempa said.
Aggressive pitches and handsome incentive packages certainly play key roles, but what carries even more weight is word-of-mouth from one CEO to another.
"When I talk with my counterparts, I tell them how business friendly the (Niagara County) IDA and Niagara County has been," Eldersward said. "That matters."