Two growing businesses that should mean growth for unemployed people.
The news that Rittal plans to hire new workers is welcomed by a lot of people.
Cyndi Chery, of Urbana, said, "All summer, I'm off from college and I've been trying to find a job, but so many people just aren't hiring. I think it's great if people can find a job in this economy."
Rittal is planning a $6.7 million expansion at its Urbana factory. The company will keep its 500+ current employees, and add 118 new ones over the next few years.
Michael Morris with the Champaign County Economic Development said, "this is 545,000-square-feet and they're using every inch of it."
Rittal makes giant enclosure boxes used by the electrical and computer industries. They set up shop in Springfield nearly 30 years ago, but moved to Urbana when they needed more room.
Getting rid of that old building was the only way to make the expansion happen.
"Rittal approached us this year and said they would like to invest more money and bring jobs to Champaign County, but they needed to sell the former facility in Springfield. We offered to help them find a buyer and we were successful in doing that," Morris said.
The jobs may be based in Urbana, but people feel any new openings will help people across the region.
Tech Two is the name of the company that bought the old Springfield site. Both companies plan to expand with tax incentives or loans from the state of Ohio.