Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, (573)751-0290
Governor Welcomes 200 New Jobs at Washington Groundbreaking
WASHINGTON, Mo.—Today Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt helped break ground for an automotive supply manufacturer that will employ 200 area residents within three years and invest $26 million in Missouri’s economy.
"Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is the perfect example of economic development tools working to bring good, family-supporting jobs to Missouri," Blunt said. "I am pleased that Harman Becker Automotive Systems has chosen Missouri for its new facility, and I am confident new tools provided by the Missouri Quality Jobs Act will create and attract even more new jobs to our state."
The Missouri Department of Economic Development recently approved a $250,000 industrial infrastructure grant for the city of Washington through its Community Development Block Grant program. The funds will help pay for infrastructure improvements necessary to accommodate the new facility.
"When we work with Missouri communities to create and attract high paying, high-quality, family-supporting jobs, not only do our workers and employers benefit, but so do Missouri families." Blunt said. "I am hopeful we will be able to continue to improve the entrepreneurial and economic climate through new and existing economic development tools that will help attract more businesses like Harman Becker to Missouri."
Harman Becker Automotive Systems Manufacturing is a wholly-owed subsidiary of Franklin, Kentucky-based Harm International Industries Inc. The company manufactures navigation and digitally integrated "infotainment" systems primarily for the automotive industry, including world-renown names JBL, Infinity, Harman/Kardon, Mark Levinson and Becker. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2005.