Illinois

After a summer storm did major damage to his comany's buildings, Fabritech Inc. CEO Mike Morrow decided to stay in Bethalto, Illinois. Regarding new construction . . .

"[I]t will be completed, and when people walk in, they won't believe their eyes," Morrow said.

The new construction - estimated to cost more than $2 million - and the creation of permanent jobs is good news to the region, which has felt the blows of layoffs in recent years.

Several manufacturing plants in Madison and St. Clair counties have closed in the last decade. The most recent closing came in December, when the Owens-Illinois plant in Godfrey laid off more than 250 workers.

Morrow also is quick to point out that tax incentives played a key role in keeping Fabritech in Bethalto.

"We looked at moving to Missouri, looked at moving to South Carolina and a couple other surrounding states," Morrow said. "The reasons we settled in Illinois were state incentives and getting the best incentive package we can."

Local tax breaks also played a part in the company's choice. Area city councils are expected to add the company property to the Riverbend Enterprise Zone, which means Fabritech can avoid paying taxes on construction materials and not pay property taxes for five years, among other bonuses.

While keeping its employees happy is a priority, Morrow said that with business, money always takes precedent.

"Staying here makes sense. (Employees') homes were here, most of our employees were here, but when you start getting the offers from other areas, the bottom line takes effect," he said.