GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $200,000 GRANT TO OLNEY

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that the City of Olney has been awarded a grant of $206,420 to support the construction of a new manufacturing facility. Xenia Manufacturing, Incorporated plans to use the grant to complement its current operations with a new 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility, resulting in fifty new jobs.

"This company has experienced rapid growth since its start in Xenia in 1983, and I'm pleased that we are able to assist in supporting another phase of its ongoing expansion," Ryan said. "I also applaud the City of Olney and other municipalities in Illinois who are working diligently to foster continued economic development within their boundaries."

The Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) awarded the grant through its Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP). The CDAP grant will allow the City of Olney to extend a loan to Xenia Manufacturing. The funds will then be used to acquire building materials for the new construction.

"The kind of success that Xenia Manufacturing is experiencing also creates new challenges in meeting the demands of an expanding business," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. "By partnering with local communities like Olney, we can develop creative solutions to meet a company's infrastructure and workforce needs."

Xenia Manufacturing builds wire assemblies and is a second tier supplier to the automotive industry. The company has already undergone a major expansion at its headquarters in Xenia and has grown from ten employees in 1983 to over 200 today.

"We appreciate DCCA's assistance in locating in Olney," said Xenia Manufacturing President Andy Knapp, "and we also want to thank the people of Olney who have been tremendous in their support. We believe that over time, we can do the same thing in Olney that we did in Xenia in terms of job creation."

"The City of Olney is proud to be a partner with the state of Illinois, Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission, Richland County Development Corporation and Xenia Manufacturing in providing these jobs for area residents," said Kelly A. Henby, Mayor of the City of Olney. "We anticipate a great future for Xenia Manufacturing in Olney and the State of Illinois."