NTN Bower will continue to operate out of it current factory in Macomb while also expanding into a new $100 million facility to be built directly east of it.
“The new plant will be about 200,000 square feet and create 80 permanent fulltime jobs,” said Kunio Kamo, President, NTN Bower.
The company makes tapered and cylindrical roller bearings. Kamo said additional production lines will be installed in the new factory.
The project has been in the works for months and included negotiations involving the company, the city, the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation, and the state.
The project was announced during an April 6 news conference at Macomb City Hall. Those who spoke during the announcement were Kamo; Kim Pierce, Executive Director, MAEDCO; David Vaught, Acting Director, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity; and Macomb Mayor Mike Inman.
“What a great success story this expansion project is, especially given the national economic situation,” said Inman.
“A direct $100 million investment, job creation in the construction and trade industries, and a long-term commitment to manufacturing jobs. Wow! Wow!”
Ground will be broken in May, 2012. Construction should be completed in April, 2013.
As part of the project, $1.4 million will be spent to improve the intersection of Bower Rd and US Highway 136. Traffic signals will be installed -- perhaps this construction season -- and a turn lane and a south leg will be added.
Pierce said that will benefit employee and truck traffic for NTN Bower and could also lead to commercial and retail development.
“Any time you have your entrance to your community upgraded and looking good, you're going to continue to get capital investment,” Pierce said. “So we're hoping that we'll be able to see some commercial development there as this project takes off and comes to fruition.”
Pierce said she is working to bring something to that general area. “We're hoping to see some kind of announcement sometime this year,” she said.
She declined to provide details.
