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"That was very painful," Steelman said. "That was 600 jobs and we're still working with those people to help them find new employment."
But that's not the entire economic story in Pacific, according to Steelman. Speaking at the March 26 Chamber of Commerce meeting, Steelman noted that some plants are expanding even in the economic downturn.
At least 10 Pacific firms are in the midst of building expansion and adding jobs, she noted.
Pacific Valley Dairy, which make soft-serve ice cream concentrate for retail ice cream shops and restaurants, has added a new freezer which increases its production capacity.
Clayton Corporation, a manufacturer of spray foam insulation, is undergoing a $3 million expansion that will double the size of its existing facility and bring new jobs.
Aurora Technologies Inc. (ATI), custom plastic fabrication, is adding a new business of manufacturing exterior building panels, and is undergoing a 15,000-square-foot addition and has recently added jobs.
Graphic Packaging, (formerly Jefferson Smurfit), a folding carton company that has been in Pacific since 1954, recently expanded its building and added 70 jobs.
Husky Corporation, manufacturer of gasoline nozzles, is expanding its building.
Amteco, which manufactures stains for wood products, recently underwent a 15,000-square-foot expansion and added approximately 10 new jobs.
Inducomp, manufacturer of computerized warehouse equipment, whose biggest customer is Wal-Mart, recently started a plastic injection molding operation, adding 12,000 square feet to its building.
Bray Manufacturing, which manufactures vinyl bindery products, recently located in the old shoe factory building on St. Louis Street and brought 15 new jobs.
B & D Pavement lost its lease in Kirkwood and moved next to Sign Experts in a 15,000-square-foot building on Rose Lane.
Heitkkamp Masonry, a major bricklaying company, recently bought a warehouse on Rose Lane, locating in Pacific because of the location, according to Steelman.
"We have many things happening in the city right now," she said. "In spite of the economic downturn, it's an exciting time for Pacific."
