The Lee Company on June 5 celebrated a $50 million expansion of its operations center in Westbrook as part of an expansion project that is expected to keep 862 current positions and create up to 200 new positions. State representatives Jesse MacLachlan and Devin Carney congratulated the partnership, thanking organizers for their dedication to grow business in Connecticut.

As part of its expansion, The Lee Company, at 2 Pettipaug Road added several buildings to its main campus, including 18,000 square feet for sales and 79,000 square feet of manufacturing space. This expansion was part of an ongoing company effort in conjunction with the State of Connecticut. The Lee Company was awarded a $10 million loan, at an interest rate of two percent over 10 years, through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and up to $10 million in potential tax credits through the state’s Urban and Industrial Sites Reinvestment Tax Credit Program. In addition, Connecticut Innovations also provided a sale and use tax exemption of up to $950,000 for capital improvements.

Reps. MacLachlan and Carney, advocates of small businesses, applauded the time, effort, and work that went into creating this new venture.

“This collaboration is yet another step in the right direction,” MacLachlan said. “We want to ensure that our businesses have what they need to prosper in this state, with so many companies struggling to gain some footing in this difficult economic climate, it’s great to witness successes such as this. The Lee Company should be applauded for their efforts in growing business and bringing jobs to our community.”

“The Lee Company has created so many good jobs for people all across our region. This joint effort with the state is an extremely positive way to offer support and even more opportunities to those in our community. I am very proud to have such a fine company such as the Lee Company right here in Westbrook,” Carney said.