Four manufacturing firms - each with a different backstory - are looking to expand their presence in Niagara County.
And, that's good news for Niagara County and the region, said Mark Onesi, Niagara County Industrial Development Agency chairman.
"Manufacturing is our back bone," Onesi said.
Combined the four firms will be investing more than $34 million in their respective operations while looking to add at least 72 new jobs and retain another 67 jobs.
"We can built off of that," Onesi said. "Each one makes it easier to help the next one."
The common thread: All four companies have, or will, receive tax breaks from the Niagara County IDA.
The companies:
* Americarb Inc. - Having received a new Department of War contract for nearly $13 million - and, a few more in the offing - the company is planning a $29 million expansion that will add 50,000-square-feet to its Niagara Falls plant and see its employment double from 40 workers to 80 employees.
* Buffalo Transformer Services will be investing $2.4 million to expand its Lockport operations. The company hopes to add 12 new employees.
* Allegheny Manufacturing, also in Lockport, wants to invest $1.33 million in a renovation and expansion project that will add 15 workers.
* Precision International is planning to move from the Rochester suburb or Webster to North Tonawanda with a $1.277 million expansion plan that will see the company hire five workers initially.
All of the expansions should be completed by next year.