PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- More than 200 jobs will be created as part of an expansion of TG Missouri's chroming operations, Gov. Jay Nixon said.

He visited TG's Perryville plant Friday to help announce plans for a $38.9 million expansion and $3.8 million in state economic development incentives for the project.

"This is a great day for us," said Todd Huber, president of TG Missouri.

TG manufactures steering wheels, air bags, side molding and interior and exterior plastic trim components for automobiles. The expansion will allow for the production of chrome components for grills and rear details for the Toyota Highlander SUV. The vehicle is assembled at Toyota's Indiana plant.

A total of 33,000 square feet of manufacturing space will be added to TG's Plant 3 building. Robinson Construction of Perryville will be the contractor on the project.

Nixon said his visit to TG marked the latest chapter in the rebirth of the auto industry.

Auto suppliers employ tens of thousands of Missourians and these are jobs the state can't afford to lose, Nixon said.

"Americans and Missourians have been building high-quality vehicles and supplying vital automotive parts for generations," Nixon said. "From major plants like Ford in Claycomo or GM in Wentzville to supplier companies like TG Missouri to others located in literally every corner of our state, our autoworkers keep our state, our country moving forward."

Ford and GM are investing a combined $1.5 billion to create 3,200 jobs in Missouri, Nixon said.

The governor used the announcement as an opportunity to urge the passage of legislation to create the Missouri Works program, which includes specific provisions to help grow auto supplier jobs in Missouri.

TG will receive funds from several state programs to assist with its expansion project.

It has been authorized to receive $2.7 million in Missouri BUILD Program tax credits. The company must meet certain job creation criteria in order to receive those tax breaks, including creating 200 jobs over the next five years.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development also approved a $1 million Community Development Block Grant for the city of Perryville. Those funds will be used for infrastructure improvements in the city's industrial park where TG is. Plans include upgrades to water, sewer, gas and electric service as well as roadwork, city administrator Brent Buerck said.

"While it helps TG now, it will also help lead to future growth in the industrial park," Buerck said.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development is also providing $125,000 in customized training and recruitment assistance to TG.

The Delta Regional Authority will provide $200,000 in funding to assist TG with the expansion project.

Construction on the expansion at Plant 3 is set to begin before the end of this month, and operations in the new portion of the building are scheduled to start in October.

TG currently employs about 1,200 workers at its Perryville site.

mmiller@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

2200 Plattin Road, Perryville, MO