(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman announced that Hastings will receive $504,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to help the local Eaton Corporation facility consolidate manufacturing operations in Nebraska.

“The CDBG program continues to help stimulate business and job growth here in Nebraska and across the nation,” Gov. Heineman said. “We want to continue growing the existing industries in our state and this grant will help Eaton Corporation expand its operations in the Hastings community.”

The Hastings Economic Development Corporation is also partnering in the project, which is expected to create 30 additional jobs.

With operations in 29 countries worldwide, Eaton Corporation plans to move equipment from a facility in Michigan to Hastings as part of a plan to locate the company’s gear machining operations in central Nebraska in order to be closer to ports and other manufacturing facilities through out the Midwest.

Opened in 1998, the Hastings plant is part of Eaton’s automotive group producing gears for rear and four-wheel drive light trucks and sports utility vehicles. In 2004, the plant was recognized by Eaton for its high performance work teams.

The grant is part of the annual CDBG allocation made available to Nebraska from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist in business and local community development efforts throughout the state.

CONTACT
Stew Jobes, DED, 308-385-6355