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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
New Jobs in Mt. Vernon
The company custom-makes electrical equipment for a range of industries with a focus on the mining industry. That's just one of the reasons they decided to move to Southern Illinois.
President and CEO John Houston and several members of his team were welcomed warmly Thursday by the Jefferson County Development Corporation and other members of the community.
"Today marks a very special day in economic development in the city of Mt. Vernon," said Mayor Mary Jane Chesley.
Intermountain Electronics will build a facility in the city's industrial park. It will be equipped with state of the art cutting, bending, fabrication, assembly and testing equipment for electrical switchgear and associated apparatus.
The company will hire approximately twenty people to fill various positions.
Houston says Southern Illinois' coal-mining industry makes it an ideal location for the company.
"I think the forecast for the Illinois basing mining industry is bright" and that could translate to expansion.
"Our facility in Utah has 70 manufacturers, or 70 people working on the plant floor. So, let's hope," Houston said.
He also touted the economic development team that drew the company to town.
Intermountain Electronics is the first new business that Jefferson County Development Corporation has welcomed to the area.
"I saw that the crowd [gathered for the announcement] was the team and that's what made this project a reality. If we hadn't worked as a team I don't know if this would happen or not," Chesley said.
That team highlighted workers in the region that are more-than-ready to get on the job.
"The labor pool that we see here is something that we see as a huge advantage for success and sustainability," Houston said.
Construction is expected to begin in August and officials say the facility should be up and running early 2010. They expect to begin hiring in the Fall.
By Dana Jay
djay@wsiltv.com
Now: 1283451116
