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TROY — Hobart Brothers Company will build a $2.9 million facility west of Interstate 75 to expand its filler metals manufacturing operation and add up to 40 jobs.

Hobart Brothers, a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, is a manufacturer of welding filler metals. It already has Troy operations in a manufacturing plant on West Main Street near downtown and in facilities in the Westbrook subdivision.

ITW also operates the Hobart Food Group, a manufacturer of commercial kitchen equipment. Both companies are based in Troy. Combined, the two subsidiaries employ more than 1,300 area residents, according to ITW information.

"We continue to see increases in both domestic and international demand for welding consumables, and are pleased to be able to invest in this expansion to support our growth," said Grant Harvey, vice president and general manager. "We are especially pleased to make this investment in the Troy area."

The company said Thursday, Sept. 4, an additional 40 employees will join its workforce when the new plant is at capacity. Construction is scheduled to begin this week at the northwest corner of Kings Chapel Drive and Corporate Drive. Completion is scheduled by spring 2009.

Jim Dando, city economic development director, said Wednesday the company has not given the city "complete details" but the project is "good news for Troy" and its employment.

"It makes it (ITW's local presence) a little more secure, and that is always important to us with one of our largest businesses," Dando said.

Dirt already is being moved on the building site west of Interstate 75 and north of Ohio 41.

Plans for the 64,375-square-foot building on a 7.9-acre site were filed last week with the city planning office by Ferguson Construction of Sidney. Cost of the construction project is listed as $2,985,000.

The site plan shows a building with office area and manufacturing space with truck docks on the north and south sides. Plans also include space for future expansion to include a building of similar size.

Mark Cundiff, city planning director, said the plans are being reviewed by planning and zoning, engineering and fire personnel. The review should be done within a couple of weeks.

ITW purchased Hobart Brothers, founded in 1917, from the Hobart family in 1996.

The company did not file for city tax abatement.