The ECIDA has approved a  $22 million  incentive package to attract a $501 million expansion of the GM Powertrain facility in the Town of Tonawanda  While the ultimate decision about the expansion will be made in Detroit in early summer, the Town of Tonawanda plant is considered a front-runner for the project. Two years ago, GM invested $291 million in the Tonawanda  plant. Factoring in the current proposal, it could mean the  automaking giant will have spent nearly $800 million on plant  improvements and new engine lines there in a handful of years.  (Source: Business First).

The Benchmark Group has announced plans to invest $3.5 million in the Colvin-Eggert Plaza. The plaza is located immediately adjacent to the I-290 and near densely populated areas, which makes it perfect for both regional and neighborhood retail, and office. Renovation plans call for new building facades, new signs, landscaping, a new parking lot and interior upgrades in a bid to attract new tenants (Source: Buffalo News).

Praxair will add 50 scientists and engineers to its research and development team at its Tonawanda campus in the next three years. The new jobs will pay between $80,000 and $100,000 a year. Praxair will use the new positions to develop products for the electronics industry, investing an additional $4.1 million to add 20,000 sf. Of high tech laboratory space. The labs will contain state-of-the-art clean rooms and analytical equipment required to develop new electronics. Praxair already employs about 1,000 locally (Source: Buffalo News).

K.J. Electric, a distributor of electrical motors, is proceeding with plans to add a motor repair/remanufacturing shop to its existing facility on Fire Tower Drive. The plan calls for the company to expand from about 6,300 square feet to 20,313 square feet. Ground will be broken in mid-April. It is estimated that staff will increase from six employees to 25.  (Source: Business First).

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