December 17, 2010
Mar-Bal Inc. to use state incentives to help fund significant facility expansion and $1.4 million capital investment
Gov. Nixon announces 15 new jobs at appliance parts manufacturer in Cuba
CUBA, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today announced the award of $67,606 in Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ) tax credits to a Cuba, Mo., company that manufactures a wide range of components for the appliance industry. The EEZ incentives will assist Mar-Bal Inc. in significantly expanding its local production facilities in a $1.4 million capital investment that will create 15 new area jobs. The Governor made the announcement today at Mar-Bal's manufacturing facility in Cuba.
"I am pleased that we can help make this project a reality," Gov. Nixon said. "From the start, my administration has been focused on our twin priorities of increasing capital investment into Missouri and creating jobs. This increased investment by a longtime Cuba company like Mar-Ball is more evidence that our state's 2010 economic rebound is ongoing."
Mar-Bal specializes in manufacturing custom-molded parts for electrical distribution and control devices, plus a wide range of components for the appliance industry. Established in Ohio in 1970, the company has maintained a manufacturing facility in Cuba since 1988, where it currently has 85 employees. Mar-Bal molds parts for electrical switchgear, controls, motors, drives, circuit breakers, transformers, telecommunication devices, rail, aviation and more. Appliance giant Whirlpool is one of its biggest clients.
The state of Missouri's award of $67,606 in EEZ incentives will allow Mar-Bal to expand in the next year, either by building a new 5,000-square foot addition to its current facility or by buying a building it currently leases. The company will use the incentives to help offset the costs of the expansion, including the purchase of new equipment and training of new employees. Mar-Bal's expansion is due to the increased demand for its products, particularly a unique stainless-steel oven door handle. The company currently outsources the manufacture of the product to a company in New York but plans to move the process to its facility in Cuba.