Boone County manufacturing plant set to expand, add 135 jobs

The Boone County Commission approved the use of Chapter 100 Revenue Bonds to expand a manufacturing plant in Columbia Tuesday night.

The commission signed off on the expansion for Dana Light Axel Products, LLC, a company that manufactures parts for major automakers.

It plans to invest $39 million in machinery and equipment to add a new production line.

The company also said the expansion will create 135 new jobs over the next few years.

“Modernizing and expanding the Dana plant in Columbia creates a bright future for Dana, its employees, and the community at large,” said Boone County Commissioner Janet Thompson. “We believe that our community will benefit from this investment for years to come.”

Chapter 100 bonds allow the company to lease its new heavy machinery from the county, purchased through bonds. Dana Light Axle Products will receive a 50-percent property tax abatement on it, as well. Several different public groups had to first weigh in on the proposal, such as Columbia Public Schools and the Boone County Family Resource Center, who each will receive some money through the property tax payments. Thompson told ABC 17 News after Tuesday’s meeting she supported the incentives, since the company would be adding 135 jobs with living wages.

“With wages that create opportunities for that family, for the parents in that family, for the children to grow up and be able to really participate fully in our community,” Thomson said.

Governor Nixon said, “I appreciate Dana Light Axle Products’ significant expansion in Columbia, and its contribution to Missouri’s revitalized auto industry. The historic investments made by Ford and GM in Missouri continue to pave the way for auto suppliers to grow and succeed, creating jobs for hard working Missourians throughout the state.”

Thompson said the county will have oversight of Dana Light Axle Products’ progress, such as yearly updates on their job growth.