PULASKI, N.Y. -- In the past year the economy has caused a lot of businesses to cutback, or even close. But at Fulton Thermal Corporation, they're looking to expand and on Tuesday they got some help from the state's top politician, with money in hand.

"We are now reversing what has been the trend of people move out of the state, and resources go out of the state and thanks to the people of Fulton their 60 years of service and their ability to expand even in the recession with bringing resources and people and jobs back in," said Governor David Paterson.

The company received a $1.5 million grant from the state, to go toward their project, which the company hopes to start next year. Company officials are hoping the project will strengthen the economy by bringing new jobs to the area.

"For us to be able to expand at this time is really a sign of our company and the strength of our company and our strength of the people that work here," said Fulton Thermal Corporation President Bram Palm.

"It's very very exciting for us being the local economic development group here to see one of our family owned businesses grow internationally and grow particularly here in Pulaski," said Operation Oswego County Executive Director L. Michael Treadwell.
Fulton Thermal is hoping to add about 85,000 square feet to its steam boiler manufacturing facility. In total, the project will cost around $13.5 million.

When it comes to any state project securing funds is not easy, so the company is pleased to have the governor's support.

"In an economy where business is not doing very well we got a company here that's doing very well and is growing so it's certainly very happy that the governor was able to come and visit," said Treadwell.

Company officials say once the project gets started they expect it to take about a year to complete.