ITHACA, N.Y. -- An Ithaca company has announced plans to expand and reinvigorate a major manufacturing facility in Geneva.

E2E Materials produces environmentally friendly bio-composite materials that replace wood. The company started in 2006 with one employee, based on research done at Cornell University. Now at 22 workers strong, the company will employ another 50 at the Geneva site by the end of the year.

The founder says staying in the region was a top priority.

"New York State is an investor in our company as well and we've been benefited by several grants from New York State that have really helped us get a foothold as a business. And to be able to grow and share that growth in New York State and our regional economy has really been a factor in making this decision," said Patrick Govang, E2E Materials President and CEO.

The company hopes to eventually create 200 jobs at the Geneva facility.